The Daily Sun-Up Snowpack across Colorado remains at historic lows
Jan 22, 2026
Shannon Mullane, Sun water reporter who covers Colorado water and the Colorado River, breaks down the crisis of historic low snowpack. She walks through local dry conditions, how snow is measured, reservoir worries and the high-stakes Colorado River negotiations. Listeners are invited to weigh in as officials consider urgent water-management options.
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Durango's Sunny, Dry Snapshot
- Shannon reported sunny, dry conditions in Durango with little recent precipitation in town.
- She noted higher elevations are also feeling dry, underscoring statewide dryness.
Historic Low Snowpack This Winter
- Colorado's statewide snowpack is around 50–58% of normal by late January, the lowest on record for this date.
- That low snowpack raises real concern for water managers but leaves room for hope if late-season storms arrive.
How Snowpack Is Measured
- Snowpack is measured by a network of federal snow-tell stations and snow pillows that estimate liquid water in the snow.
- Those station readings roll up from local watersheds to a statewide number used by water managers.