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The new water year has begun, and it’s a thrilling start for those of us in the water world. October and November mark the initial months, bringing the first waves of snow that are essentially “put in the bank” for future use.

Similar to setting up early savings goals, these first “deposits” come in the form of fresh snow. Next spring, long after ski lifts have closed, this snow will gradually melt, replenishing groundwater reserves and boosting streamflows throughout our watershed. This stored water will help sustain local streams through the typically warmer, drier months of summer, leading us into autumn, when snowfall begins anew.

The term “water year” refers to the annual 12-month period from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, during which hydrologists assess surface water supply. Unlike the calendar year, the water year is used because precipitation that falls after Oct. 1 typically remains within the watershed until the spring runoff. Put another way, snow that accumulates in the mountains in October and through the winter months melts in spring, recharging groundwater and eventually contributing to streamflows throughout the year.

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The 2024 Water Year

For context, the previous water year, which ranged from October 2022 to September 2023, was considered average in Eagle County and above average in many other places in the Colorado River Basin — this is considered a positive outcome in the water world. An average year can help decrease wildfire risk due to strong streamflows and the relatively consistent precipitation they provide.

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This is good news for local wildlife habitats and the vegetation in the watershed that may be affected by dry years. It can also be beneficial for the health of native and sport fish populations, which can be negatively impacted by river water above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer rainfall, in particular, plays a crucial role in cooling river temperatures, which can otherwise rise significantly due to higher air temperatures and lack of flow.

When the first snow fell in October 2023, the start of the 2024 water year, we collectively held our breath, hoping for another “average” or even above-average year — not just for our region, but for the more than 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River.

This concern is heightened by the past 22 years, which have trended between extreme drought — marked by well below-average snowpack and weak monsoon seasons — and above-average precipitation years, with robust snowpack and strong monsoons. Unfortunately, over this overall period, below-average years have outnumbered average or above-average ones.

The 2024 water year was relatively unremarkable for the Mountain West — neither extreme nor disastrous. In Eagle County, , keeping streamflows steady throughout the summer and maintaining a moderate wildfire risk overall. However, there were occasional spikes in high wildfire risk and a few red flag warnings. While precipitation was average to above average, the average temperature during the summer was meaning the June-September was warmer than average.

In the broader Colorado River Basin, precipitation in the 2024 water year varied widely by location. For instance, parts of Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California saw only , but other parts in those same states . As a result, Lake Mead and Lake Powell’s water levels ended the 2024 water year close to the levels at which they began, and .

The 2024 water year wrapped up on Sept. 30, and this year’s story feels similar to the previous — except for one key difference. Meteorologists predict , unlike last year’s El Niño. La Niña is a global climate phenomenon that typically brings warmer conditions to Colorado, but doesn’t strongly indicate whether snowfall will be above or below average.

Just like every water year, there’s uncertainty around what the 2025 water year will hold. What’s certain, however, is that water remains a precious resource, and we must protect it. Want to learn more? Visit to discover ways to protect our watershed and get involved.

Rose Sandell is the education and outreach coordinator for Eagle River Coalition, which has a mission to advocate for the health and conservation of the Upper Colorado and Eagle River basins through research, education, and projects.