Colorado River Basin megadrought caused by massive 86% decline in snowpack runoff

The Colorado River Basin provides freshwater to more than 40 million people within the semi-arid southwestern United States, including major cities such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. However, between 2000 and 2021 the basin experienced a megadrought (a severe drought lasting multiple decades), which researchers have suggested likely would not have occurred if it were not for anthropogenic climate change. In particular, during 2020 and 2021, the river basin recorded the driest 20-month period since 1895 and the lowest river flow since 1906.

Q&A: Environmental Expert Weighs in On Colorado's Megadrought

Big snowpack brings boost for drought-ravaged Colorado River - Los Angeles Times

Colorado River Basin sees bolstered snowpack after a busy weather month

How the Colorado River is Challenged by Reduced Snowpack

Colorado River Water Conservation District – Coyote Gulch

Snowpack on track for normal year with a month to go, good news for Colorado River

The Colorado River needs a big moisture boost. Runoff forecasts suggest it won't come from spring snowmelt

Water Education Colorado – Coyote Gulch

Uncompahgre River Watershed – Coyote Gulch

Colorado River reservoirs face grim year despite healthy snowpack

Seven weeks of near-record low snowfall in the Colorado River Basin have water managers worried