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Council hears stark snowpack update: Roaring Fork watershed at roughly 17% of normal
Summary
Councilors were told April 28 that the Roaring Fork watershed snowpack measured about 17% of normal with average snow water equivalent near 2.4 inches versus a median of 14 inches for this date, raising concern about low streamflows and reservoir levels this year.
At the April 28 meeting, council members and staff discussed an urgent regional water outlook: the River District’s April 23 report showed the snowpack in the Roaring Fork watershed at roughly 17% of normal for this time of year, with an average snow water equivalent (SWE) of about 2.4 inches compared with a median SWE of 14 inches for the date.
Council members said that historically high temperatures in March contributed to early and low runoff and that, with little snowpack remaining in the high country, it is unlikely streamflows will exceed peaks already observed this spring. City leaders noted reservoir levels across the basin are low—remarks at the meeting referenced Lake Powell and Lake Mead levels as substantially reduced—and warned the community that water supply challenges may persist without significant precipitation.
A council member characterized the year as "bleak water-wise," while staff and the River District continue to monitor conditions and recommend conservation actions. The council did not take formal water-management action at the meeting but acknowledged the need for continued planning and coordination with regional water managers.
