Overview

• Scientists found that up to 70% of the missing water in the Colorado River can be attributed to reduced spring rainfall.
• The lack of spring rain forces plants to rely more on snowmelt, reducing the water that reaches the river.
• The phenomenon has been observed since the start of the Millennium drought, which began in 2000.
• Lower elevations are particularly affected, as earlier snowmelt gives plants more time to consume the water.
• Researchers emphasize the need to improve water predictions by considering spring rainfall more accurately.