Communities Across Colorado Forced to Enact Water Restrictions as Drought in the West Deepens

Florida is not the only state dealing with a persistent and severe drought. A historically dry winter in the interior West has left many areas of the region begging for moisture, including the state of Colorado. A lack of snowfall over the last few months has prompted several towns in the state to enact water restrictions. Here is a look at what is happening in Colorado, as well as when relief may arrive.

Colorado Officials Weigh Water Restrictions as Drought Worsens

Snow has been hard to come by the last few months in Colorado, sending much of the state into a deepening drought. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, a large swath of the state is under the designation of a moderate to severe drought. Some areas are now in danger of falling into the extreme drought category.

The lack of snowfall this winter was not just a problem for the area ski resorts. The dry winter has also limited runoff projections, as there is little snowpack to melt. The melting snowpack is what fills the state's water reservoirs, particularly along the Front Range communities. The Front Range region includes major metro areas such as Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins.

Water managers across the region are warning residents that they will be forced to roll out restrictions heading into the spring and summer if conditions do not improve drastically. The community of Thornton, located to the north of Denver, has already implemented Stage 1 drought conditions. This level limits outdoor watering for residents.

According to local water providers, nearby Denver and Aurora are also warning that they may take Thornton's lead in the near future if reservoir levels do not increase meaningfully. Stage 1 restrictions generally involve conservation efforts. This includes rules on when residents can water lawns. Although Stage 1 level rules are not as restrictive, they often signal that more severe constraints are on the horizon.

Moving to the south along the Front Range, Colorado Springs Utilities is officially in what it calls a "water preparation" phase. This phase means that while mandatory restrictions have not been enacted, local authorities are advising residents to voluntarily conserve water supplies.

How the weather unfolds over the next few weeks will determine the severity of the water restrictions over the next several months. Heavy snow is still a possibility at the end of March and into April throughout Colorado. This is particularly true for the higher terrains.

A few significant spring snow events could substantially boost snowpack levels in the mountains. However, the expectation of warmer temperatures will accelerate the evaporation needs. In addition, higher temperatures early in the season also naturally translate to increased water demands.

Colorado's water system leans on adequate snowmelt. Low snowpack levels reduce the flow of water down from the mountains and into the reservoirs. The timing of the melting snowpack means that the low reservoir levels will peak during the hottest time of the year.

Should the drought conditions intensify in the weeks ahead, it is likely that more and more communities will need to mandate water restrictions later this spring. This is why state officials are urging residents to be proactive now about conservation efforts. Everyone doing their part can make a big difference in the level of restrictions that need to be enacted.

Short-term Forecast Shows Little to No Relief from the Drought

Unfortunately for those worried about the ongoing drought in Colorado, the short-term forecast does not indicate any meaningful relief from the drought. It will be another unseasonably warm stretch of weather across Denver beginning this weekend. The Mile High City is forecast to see the mercury soar into the low 80s for highs on Saturday through Monday. Sun peaking through the clouds at various times will amplify the dry landscape.

It will also be a warm and dry stretch of days in the Colorado High Country. The mountain resort community of Vail will see temperatures hover in the 60s for highs through the weekend and into early next week. This is exceptionally warm for a town that sits at over 8,000 feet in elevation.

The next chance of moisture for the Rocky Mountains is not expected to arrive until later next week. For example, the long-range forecast for Vail is calling for a chance of rain or snow showers on Wednesday. The moisture machine is forecast to pick up steam on Easter weekend in this part of the state, peaking on Saturday night and lasting through the holiday.

After a brief shot of snow this Friday morning, conditions will embark on a drying trend through the weekend and into the first half of next week in Estes Park. Another chance of a rain and snow mix will hit the town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park beginning on Wednesday.

In general, the chances of relief from the drought appear to be hit-or-miss in the near future for most of Colorado.