Low-snow woes continue in early 2026
On the western edge of Summit County, around 10,600 feet above sea level, Denver Water’s Rick Geise and Ben Morgan strap into snowshoes to get a firsthand look at the mountain snowpack near Vail Pass.
They head into what looks like a winter wonderland, with snow glistening under sunny blue skies. But looks are deceiving.
On this late January day, the two are tasked with collecting snow samples and measuring the amount of water packed inside the flakes. There’s fresh snow on the ground, but they’re surprised by the scenery around them.
“Usually, by this time of year we wouldn’t be able to see those willow bushes, they’d be buried by snow,” Morgan said as he trudges up to their snowpack measuring site.
Measuring the snowpack involves poking holes in the snow and collecting 10 samples to calculate the “snow water equivalent,” typically referred to as SWE. The samples are taken on what’s called a snow course, which is managed by the National Resources Conservation Service.
Measurements are taken at the same location four times every winter.
Denver Water crews measure snow at 10 snow courses in the utility’s collection area from January through April. The utility’s planning team uses the data to monitor current conditions and long-term trends. The information is also shared with state and federal agencies.
The January snow course was the first of 2026, and unfortunately, the Denver Water team’s measurements show the new year is starting off the same way 2025 ended — with snowpack at near-record lows.
Mountain snow is critical in Colorado because the melted snow feeds rivers and streams, which in turn support wildlife, recreation and the water supply for millions of people.
“We were hoping for more storms in January, but unfortunately, we’re still in record-low territory when it comes to the snowpack,” said Nathan Elder, Denver Water’s manager of water resources. “We’re basically short by about 4-5 feet of snow as of the end of January.”
January snowpack numbers
On Jan. 31, 2026, snowpack in the areas of the Colorado and South Platte river basins where Denver Water collects its water were at 58% and 45%, respectively. For the Colorado River Basin, that ranks as the third-worst on record. For the South Platte Basin, the percentage ranks as second-worst for this time of year.
SNOTELs and snowpack
Denver Water’s records date back to the winter of 1978-79 when SNOTEL technology became more widespread across Colorado. SNOTELs are automated weather stations located across the state in remote areas.
Denver Water’s numbers are different than statewide snowpack numbers that you may see on the news because the utility’s plans are based on the snowpack in the watershed where it collects water.
Snowpack is different from snow depth. Snowpack is a measurement of the amount of water held in compressed layers of snow. Snow depth uses inches or feet to measure height of the snow from the ground.
Denver Water uses the monthly snow course data collected by its employees along with daily information recorded by automated SNOTEL stations scattered through the mountains. In the spring, Denver Water also uses planes to measure snowpack.
“The later into the winter season we go without big, regular snowstorms, the more concerning the situation becomes for our water supply heading into the summer,” Elder said.
“We still have three good months ahead of us to get some significant snow, and March and April are usually when we get our best snow, but the chances of fully catching up to ‘normal’ snowpack this year are dwindling.”
Reservoir update
At the end of January 2026, Denver Water’s reservoirs were 82% full, which is about 4% below average for this time of year. Reservoirs are where Denver Water catches melting snow and stores it for later use.
“The fact that our reservoirs ended January in relatively good shape is credit to customers who help conserve water all year long,” Elder said. “Even when we have good snow years, it’s always important to use water wisely.”
Elder said Denver Water has built a robust system of reservoirs over the last century to get through droughts, but concerns about a multiyear dry stretch are always hovering.
“It’s not uncommon for us to have low-snow years, but having record-low numbers like what we’re seeing right now is very concerning,” Elder said. “Sometimes conditions improve in the second half of the season, but sometimes they don’t, so we have to prepare for all outcomes.”
A critical indicator for the year’s water supply typically occurs at the end of April, when snowpack usually reaches its peak in Denver Water’s collection area.
Denver Water’s lowest peak snowpack occurred during the winter of 2001-02, when snowpack peaked at just 56% of normal. The second-lowest peak was measured during the winter of 2011-12, when mountain snowpack peaked at 58% of normal.
Customers can help
Elder said it’s important for customers to know that their water use plays a role in managing water supply.
“Now is a good time to check your faucets and toilets for leaks and fix any you find inside your home. It’s also a good time to start thinking about how you might remodel your yard this summer to save water outside,” he said.
Denver Water launched its annual summer watering rules after the drought of 2002-2003. And this year, as they do every year, the utility’s experts are monitoring the snowpack, customer water use, streamflow and weather forecasts (along with other factors) to determine if additional water restrictions might be needed to preserve water supply.
Denver Water’s website has free tips for creating a water-wise landscape, including a step-by-step DIY Guide that can help you replace thirsty Kentucky bluegrass with water-smart plants. More information about saving water inside and outside is available at denverwater.org/Conserve.
In 2026, the utility will again be offering residential customers a limited number of discounts on Resource Central’s popular, water-wise Garden In A Box kits and turf removal services.