University of Washington Study Reveals Spring Rainfall's Impact on Colorado River Water Supply
A new study from the University of Washington has identified a significant factor contributing to the discrepancy between predicted and actual water flow in the Colorado River. The research highlights that warmer, drier spring conditions, particularly a lack of spring rainfall, account for nearly 70% of the difference. This lack of rain causes plants to rely more on melting snow for water, reducing the amount that reaches streams and rivers. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, suggests that the Millennium drought, which began in 2000, coincides with this trend. Researchers found that plants act as natural pumps, drawing water from the soil and releasing it into the atmosphere, further diminishing river flow. 
