Water Hauling Becomes New Reality for Ranchers in the Rockies

The snowpack in the Rocky Mountains has been woefully inadequate this year, forcing ranchers to adapt to a new reality: hauling water across treacherous terrain to keep their livestock alive. This is no welcome addition to their workload; rather, it’s an all-too-familiar burden for those who rely on the land and its resources.

Ranchers like Scott Snyder and Mark Ragsdale in Colorado are struggling to cope with the combination of record-low snowfall and unrelenting wildfires. For them, finding water is not just a matter of logistics; it’s about survival. Their livelihoods are tied to the whims of Mother Nature, and this year’s drought has made it harder than ever to keep their herds thriving.

A study confirms that human-caused climate change has exacerbated this snow drought 14 times more likely. The Upper Colorado River Basin, which spans Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, is feeling the pinch. Ranchers are struggling to maintain family legacies and meet America’s demand for beef, with far-reaching consequences.

Ranching is a way of life deeply rooted in tradition. For generations, ranchers have relied on snowmelt to sustain their stock ponds, springs, and creeks. But this year’s snow drought has forced them to adapt – or risk losing everything. It’s not just about economics; it’s also the emotional toll of watching a way of life crumble.

Take Lance Bray, who owns 500 head with his brother Zandon. They’ve had to expand their water truck fleet and purchase hay to supplement what little they can grow. This costly endeavor weighs heavily on them, both financially and emotionally.

The impact of drought goes far beyond the rancher’s wallet. It takes a toll on mental health, too. Zandon Bray spoke candidly about the emotional strain of struggling to keep his operation afloat. “Sometimes it’s by 10 o’clock in the morning or by the end of the day, you’re just like, man, I can’t do this anymore,” he said.

Stanford Salazar’s experience is equally harrowing. He’s been hauling stock water for five years now, and few of his ponds hold any water these days. “With the changing weather, we’re not getting big winters. We used to get 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) of snow in winter. Now we’re lucky to get a foot,” he lamented.

While this year’s drought is severe, the odds of it happening again anytime soon are low. However, what about the cumulative effect of multiple years of lesser droughts? The answer lies in greenhouse gas emissions, which continue to rise and drive climate change. As Adrienne Marshall, assistant professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines, explained, “The odds of an extreme snow drought grow each year as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.”

As ranchers navigate this new reality, they’re exploring innovative solutions to reduce their reliance on hauled water. Jeff Christensen in central Utah is drilling two 500-foot deep wells that could alleviate some of his hauling chores – but only if they hit the water table.

For now, though, hauling water remains a daily chore for many ranchers. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination, but also a reminder that the very fabric of their way of life is under threat. As Mark Ragsdale said, “It’s gonna take 10 years of above-normal precipitation to get back to what I consider normal.” The clock is ticking.

The drought in the Rocky Mountains serves as a stark reminder of our planet’s fragile balance and the impact of human actions on the environment. It’s time for policymakers, ranchers, and consumers to come together and find solutions that prioritize sustainability and conservation. For now, though, hauling water remains an all-too-real reality for those who call the Rockies home.