Dry times in the West: Coloado River Basin drought deepens

• Drought expands in Southern California, Nevada, and Wyoming, stressing water supplies.
• Southern Nevada and California see mounting short-term precipitation deficits.
• Extreme drought intensifies in Wyoming’s mountain ranges.
• Essential water restrictions in southeast Nebraska reflect a growing crisis.

December 13, 2024 — As December advances, drought conditions continue to grip the Colorado River Basin states, with Southern California, Nevada, and Wyoming among the hardest hit. Despite sporadic precipitation across parts of the West, these areas saw worsening drought conditions, raising concerns about water resources and long-term sustainability.

Southern California and Nevada.

Southern California and southern Nevada are experiencing expanded drought conditions due to increasing precipitation deficits. “Short-term precipitation deficits continued to mount,” according to the December 10 National Drought Summary, leaving soil moisture depleted and streams running dry. These states, critical components of the Colorado River system, face mounting pressure as water levels in key reservoirs, like Lake Mead, remain critically low.

Wyoming’s Snowpack Crisis.

Wyoming is seeing “well-below-normal early season snowpack” in the Wind River and Bighorn mountain ranges. This has led to an expansion of extreme drought conditions, threatening both local water supplies and downstream flows essential for other states relying on the Colorado River.

Broad Impacts and Growing Concerns.

The lack of snow and precipitation in the West highlights an unsettling trend. Snowpack acts as a natural reservoir, releasing water slowly over time. With reduced snow in key regions, the water supply for millions of residents, agricultural needs, and hydroelectric power generation are at risk.

Additionally, southeast Nebraska’s communities are already feeling the effects, with essential water restrictions due to low well levels. This mirrors potential challenges for Colorado River Basin states if conditions persist.

Dry Conditions in the Forecast.

The forecast through December 16 shows little relief for the Southwest, with dry conditions expected to continue. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service predicts warmer-than-average temperatures across most of the U.S., further complicating the drought in the already parched Colorado River Basin.

Experts and policymakers alike are urging preparation for a challenging winter season. Conservation efforts, efficient water use, and continued monitoring will be critical as the West braces for what could be another tough year.

Map published by the U.S. Drought Monitor.