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| CWCB Addresses Climate Change |
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| Climate Change in Colorado Report |
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| Joint Front Range Climate Change Vulnerability Study |
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| Sign Up for CWCB News & Information |
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Climate Change in Colorado
The scientific evidence is clear: the Earth’s climate is warming. Multiple independent measurements confirm widespread warming in the western United States; in Colorado, temperatures have increased by approximately 2°F between 1977 and 2006. Increasing temperatures are affecting the state’s water resources.
Climate Change & Water Resources in Colorado
Colorado’s water resources are sensitive to the changing climate. Over time Coloradans have developed infrastructure for water storage and conveyance, and adopted institutional arrangements capable of allocating shortages when necessary, including the prior appropriations system and interstate compacts. These actions helped in managing water resources during the 20th century. But the 21st century climate may pose new challenges to water managers that are unlike those experienced in the past.
What the models tell us…
- Climate models project that Colorado will warm by 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2025 and 4 degrees by 2050. Summers are likely to warm more than winters.
- Warmer temperatures will also affect evaporation rates in our rivers, streams and reservoirs perhaps making less water available for beneficial use.
- A seasonal shift in precipitation is projected, which may result in more mid winter precipitation throughout the State and in some areas a decrease in the late Spring and Summer precipitation.
- Lower elevation (below 8200 ft) snowpack is likely to decline, with modest declines projected for high elevation (above 8200ft) snowpack. The timing of runoff is projected to shift earlier in the spring, which may reduce late summer stream flows. These changes will probably occur regardless of changes in precipitation.
Increased evaporation and changes in runoff pose a real challenge for water managers throughout the State of Colorado. It is likely that water rights will be impacted by changes in the timing of runoff and a reduction in late summer stream flows. This coupled with increased evaporation will require managers to prepare by planning ahead for possible water shortages.
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