US Bureau of Reclamation

Drought and Earliest Snowmelt Challenge Rio Grande Water Operations

The Bureau of Reclamation released its annual operating plans for the Rio Grande and Pecos River on April 16, 2026, documenting severe drought conditions including the earliest snowmelt on record and critically low reservoir storage. Most Rio Chama and Rio Grande reservoirs hold less than 15% of capacity, with Heron Reservoir at 11%, El Vado at 13%, and Elephant Butte at 13%. Snow water equivalent ranged from 4% to 21% of median across key basins. Dam Safety Program construction at El Vado Dam remains on hold with the reservoir restricted to approximately 25,200 acre-feet.

$6.3M for Tribal Water Projects, 10 Funded

The Bureau of Reclamation announced $6.3 million in technical assistance to 10 tribal water projects through its Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program. Recipients include tribal communities across western states receiving funding for drinking water system installation, wastewater construction, well installation, and water quality testing.

Emergency Actions to Stabilize Colorado River System During Historic Drought

The Bureau of Reclamation announced emergency water management actions on April 17, 2026, to stabilize the Colorado River system, which has declined to approximately 36% of capacity due to prolonged drought and record-low snowpack. Reclamation plans to release 660,000 acre-feet to 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir (April 2026–April 2027) and reduce Lake Powell annual releases from 7.48 maf to 6.0 maf through September 2026, using section 6E of the 2024 Supplemental EIS Record of Decision. These actions are projected to raise Lake Powell elevation by approximately 54 feet to elevation 3,500 feet by April 2027.