# Colorado River Water Alert: Prepare for a Drier Future - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/colorado-river-water-alert-prepare-for-a-drier-future/ - Published: 2020-02-27T01:37:02-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Colorado River Colorado River water alert!  The loss of the reflective snowpack drives evaporation. As well as reduces the flow of water, the study found. BY BOB BERWYN, [INSIDECLIMATE NEWS](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07062016/unabated-global-warming-threatens-west-snowpack-water-rocky-mountains-sierra-nevada-drought), Feb 20, 2020 The 40 million people who rely on Colorado River water. They need to prepare for a drier future. ### Global Warming Global warming is [shrinking the Rocky Mountain snowpack](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07062016/unabated-global-warming-threatens-west-snowpack-water-rocky-mountains-sierra-nevada-drought) that feeds the Colorado River. Moreover flows are declining at a rate of about 9.3 percent for every 1.8 degrees [Fahrenheit increase in temperature.](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/ganga-river-faces-crisis-and-dry-spells/) That’s according to a new [ that “identifies a growing potential for severe water shortages in this major basin.”](https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/02/19/science.aay9187) ![The generated image paints a stark picture of the water crisis looming over the Colorado River Basin. A parched, cracked riverbed stretches out before us, telling a tale of severe drought and dwindling water resources. It's a scene that brings the study's projections to life in a visceral way. In the foreground, we see the ghostly remnants of what was once a thriving waterway. Abandoned boats and docks sit forlornly on dusty ground, a poignant reminder of the abundance that once was. These stranded vessels serve as silent sentinels, warning us of the consequences of unchecked water consumption and climate change. The background of the image offers a glimpse of hope, but it's a hope that's rapidly diminishing. Snow-capped mountains rise in the distance, traditionally a reliable source of water for the region. However, the snowpack appears noticeably reduced, hinting at the changing patterns of precipitation that are exacerbating the water shortage. A distant reservoir catches our eye, its low water levels painfully evident. The shoreline has receded significantly, leaving a ring of parched earth around its edges. This visual representation drives home the study's findings of severe water shortages in the basin. The golden sunlight bathing the scene adds to the sense of aridity, almost seeming to sap moisture from the very air. Struggling vegetation dots the landscape, a testament to the resilience of nature even in the face of extreme conditions. In the mid-ground, we spot a group of researchers with scientific instruments. Their presence reminds us of the crucial role of science in understanding and addressing this crisis. These figures represent the authors of the study, working tirelessly to project future water availability and inform policy decisions. This image serves as a powerful visual companion to the article, bringing to life the potential future of the Colorado River Basin if current trends continue. It underscores the urgency of addressing water conservation and management in the region, reminding us that the choices we make today will shape the landscape of tomorrow. As the Green Living Guy, I can't help but feel a mix of concern and determination when looking at this image. It's a wake-up call, folks. We need to take action now to preserve our precious water resources. From supporting water-efficient technologies to advocating for sustainable water policies, every drop counts in our fight against water scarcity. Let's work together to ensure that this bleak vision doesn't become our reality.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_6239-400x400.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1) ### Domino effect The decline is “mainly driven by snow loss and consequent decrease of reflection of solar radiation.” That’s what a pair of scientists with the[ U.S. Geological Survey](https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/colorado-river-basin-focus-area-study?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects) wrote in a new paper. It was published in the journal Science. The study helps resolve a “longstanding disagreement in previous estimates of the river’s sensitivity to rising temperatures.” #### California Water Study The study links dwindling flow of water with the loss of albedo. This is a measure of the snowpack’s reflective quality. It’s like ice in the Arctic. Because white snow reflects solar radiation back to space. But as the snowpack in the Colorado River declines, the ground and, crucially, the air directly above the ground, warm up. Water from the [melting snow](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/06/snow-ice-going-away-melting-arctic/) or from rain evaporates from the soil. That’s rather than trickling into the streams that feed the Colorado River. ### Conclusion In conclusion, the scientists also finally found the link. All by [measuring the relationship](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/exploring-the-impact-of-california-delta-on-endangered-fish/) between the amount of water in the [snow](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/exploring-the-impact-of-california-delta-on-endangered-fish/), to the amount of the sun’s incoming radiation. Plus how much of that was reflected back by the snowpack’s albedo. Thereby and finally showing that, as the [snowpack dwindled](https://www.drought.gov/drought/data-maps-tools/snow-drought), the Colorado River’s flow declined. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)