Colorado is often referred to as the headwaters state due to its water supply originating from within the state. This water supply comes primarily from mountain snowpack.

In years with low snowpack, streamflows can reach extremely low levels. This is the case in the current year, following a winter with poor snowpack.

Further information on efforts to maintain river water levels during drought is available from the Aspen Times, including details on the work of a specific organization addressing this issue.