Key facts
- Ranchers in the U.S. Rockies are facing a new, labor-intensive chore of hauling water for livestock.
- The current drought is attributed to record-low snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin, exacerbated by climate change.
- This situation requires significant time, money, and emotional stress for producers.
- Adaptations include shrinking herds, purchasing supplemental feed, and relocating livestock.
- While a repeat of this specific extreme snow drought may be unlikely soon, cumulative drought effects are a concern.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers reimbursement for drought-related water and feed transportation costs.
Ranchers in the U.S. Rockies are facing an unprecedented challenge: hauling water for their livestock due to a severe drought. Historically reliant on snowmelt for stock ponds and creeks, this year's record-low snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin has forced many to transport water across rugged terrain, a time-consuming and costly endeavor.
Scott Snyder, who operates Mex and Sons Ranch near Montrose, Colorado, described the arduous process, which can take hours and multiple trips to water his 800 cow-calf pairs. He noted the significant effort involved in preventing any spillage, highlighting the scarcity of the resource. Climate change is identified as a key factor, with a study indicating that human influence made the current snow drought approximately 14 times more likely.
Other ranchers are also adapting by reducing herd sizes, purchasing hay, and seeking alternative water sources. Mark Ragsdale, a water commissioner and rancher, is also hauling water for his smaller herd and expressed concern that it will take a decade of above-normal precipitation to recover from the current conditions. The Brays, who own 500 head, have expanded their water truck fleet to manage the increased demand.
While a study suggests that a repeat of this specific extreme snow drought might be unlikely in the immediate future, the cumulative effects of multiple years of lesser droughts are a concern, especially as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Ranchers can seek reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for extraordinary costs associated with transporting water and feed due to drought, but the time and emotional toll remain significant.