Colorado River's Declining Water Levels Linked to Reduced Spring Rainfall

New research suggests that decreasing spring precipitation is a major factor in the Colorado River's lower-than-expected water levels since 2000.

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.