Colorado River: State of the Science Report
In spring 2018, a group of Colorado River basin water providers approached CLIMAS and the Western Water Assessment (WWA) with a request for a comprehensive, state-of-the-science synthesis of the science related to Colorado River climate and hydrology. WWA took the lead in working with 15 researchers and 14 water agencies to develop a report. CLIMAS led the chapter on paleohydrology. By synthesizing the state of the science in the Colorado River Basin regarding climate and hydrology, this report established a broadly shared understanding to guide strategic integration of new research into practice.
In addition to the final report, the project team developed an interactive case study that provides more information about the project, including who was involved, a full timeline of the project, and details about the partnership that formed to develop this groundbreaking 500-page report.
"This is by far the most comprehensive scientific report ever produced about the Southwest’s iconic river. Scientists summarize what they think about the past, present and future of the river and also provide challenges and opportunities for improving science to assist decision making in the 21st century."
- Brad Udall, Senior Water and Climate Research Scientist, Colorado Water Center, Colorado State University
CLIMAS Lead: Connie Woodhouse
Partners: Western Water Assessment, National Center for Atmospheric Research, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, University of Nevada, Reno, University of Colorado, Boulder, NOAA National Snow and Ice Data Center, ETH Zürich, Lynker Technologies
Publications
Lukas, J., & Payton, E. (Eds.). (2020). Colorado River Basin Climate and Hydrology: State of the Science. University of Colorado. https://doi.org/10.25810/3hcv-w477