Colorado declares statewide drought emergency amid record low snowpack

DENVER — Colorado has activated Phase 3 of its Drought Response Plan and declared a statewide drought emergency as record-low snowpack and prolonged warm temperatures continue to worsen drought conditions across the state.

The declaration follows recommendations from the Colorado Drought Task Force and the Water Conditions Monitoring Committee after months of monitoring water supplies and drought impacts.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor released June 4, all 64 Colorado counties are experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, while nearly 93% of the state is in moderate to exceptional drought.

The move expands the state’s drought response efforts, allowing for additional emergency actions, including potential emergency funding for unmet needs, possible requests for federal disaster assistance and reductions in outdoor water use at state facilities.

Colorado activated Phase 2 of its drought response plan in March, formally convening the Drought Task Force.

The state recorded its lowest snowpack accumulation season on record, with May 1 streamflow forecasts projecting runoff between 21% and 37% of median levels across Colorado river basins. The current water year, which began in October 2025, has also been the warmest on record in Colorado, contributing to early snowmelt, low river flows, declining soil moisture and increased wildfire risk.

“Activating Phase 3 is a message to Coloradans that our drought conditions are serious and gives the state additional flexibility to address unmet needs and continue supporting communities as conditions evolve,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Under Phase 3, requests for additional support or funding must be tied to specific response needs and will be reviewed by the Drought Task Force.

“The state has been actively preparing for evolving drought conditions throughout the season, and for the last decade has supported Colorado communities and water users in becoming more drought resilient,” said Lauren Ris, director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

The Drought Task Force will continue meeting regularly to monitor conditions, coordinate agency response efforts, identify unmet needs and provide resources to communities and water users affected by drought.