Western Water

The Colorado River, vital for seven states, is over-allocated, with water rights exceeding its volume. NASA's Tom Painter studies snowmelt, which provides 80% of the river's water. Dust from the Southwest accelerates snowmelt by darkening snow, causing it to absorb more sunlight. Research shows dust causes snow to melt 3-4 weeks earlier, reducing river volume by 5% annually. This early melt affects plant growth and water usage. The dust is largely human-caused, mainly from grazing animals. Stabilizing soil could delay snowmelt and conserve river water.

What percentage of the water in the Colorado River is provided by snowmelt?

How does dust affect the melting of snow in the Colorado River basin?

What are the consequences of earlier snowmelt on the Colorado River's water volume?

What human activities are believed to contribute to the dust on snow?

What potential solutions are suggested to mitigate water loss from the Colorado River?