Drought Response & Water Conservation
It takes everyone to conserve our most precious natural resource.
Following the warmest, driest winter on record, the Yampa River Basin is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions. After a welcome snow storm on April 2nd, the basin is at 32% of median snow water equivalent (SWE). The basin reached peak SWE in mid-March - more than three weeks earlier than the 30-year median.
Dwindling water supplies in 2026 means that our communities will be impacted - and we all play a role in protecting and conserving this invaluable resource.
Current municipal watering restrictions:
Current watering restrictions for local municipalities are outlined below. Please note that new restrictions, schedules, and ordinances are slated for discussion at upcoming town council meetings.
- Town of Yampa: Outdoor irrigation limited to 6pm-8am. Watering days based on the last number of a customer address: (Even: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; Odd: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. No watering on Sundays!
- Town of Oak Creek: Details expected April 2026
- City of Steamboat Springs: Outdoor irrigation limited to 6pm-10am. Watering days based on the last number of a customer's address: (Even number: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday; Odd number: Monday, Thursday, Saturday. Wednesday - No watering)
- Town of Hayden: Outdoor irrigation limited to 5pm-8am. Watering days based on the last number of a customer address: (Even: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday; Odd: Monday, Thursday, Saturday. No watering on Wednesdays!
- City of Craig: Updates to existing water restrictions/schedules expected April 2026
Water conservation tips:
To take additional action toward conserving water in our basin, consider the following strategies, and educate your neighbors about how they can join the community effort during this drought period:
- Keep irrigation systems off until at least mid-to-late May, and even later if possible.
- Reduce irrigation to two days per week.
- Minimize washing your vehicle and remember to go to a car wash where water can be reused and proper storm drains are installed.
- Avoid washing hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots.
- Don't turn on any outdoor water features
- Abstain from dust control with potable water.
2026 Water Outlook:
UYWCD looks at many forecast models to better understand the water year outlook and plan ahead for reservoir operations and river management. One forecast model from the Airborne Snow Observatory, Inc (ASO) uses LIDAR technology to analyze the snow-water equivalent (SWE) for the Upper Yampa and Elk River Basins. A flight pattern spanning the Flattops and the Park Range access snow depth, distribution, and density to forecast spring run-off. The first 2026 survey flight occurred on March 21st. The second occurred on April 12th. The 2026 Forecast Reports can be found in the links below:
ASO Flight Report for March 21, 2026
ASO Flight Report for April 12, 2026
Learn more about the 2026 Water Year outlook by exploring the presentation or recording presented by UYWCD at the recent Western Resilience Center's community meeting on February 11th, 2026.
Watch the recording of the 2/11/26 meeting here:
Wildfire resources:
Stay informed about fire preparedness and emergency alerts.
Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council