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- Water managers expect sections of the Rio Grande to dry again this year.
- Snowpack melted early after unusually warm spring temperatures.
- Irrigators may see fewer canal deliveries and longer wait times.
- Some reservoirs along the Rio Grande are holding less than 15% capacity.
- Corrales irrigation deliveries were suspended in April because river levels dropped too low.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — The Rio Grande is heading into another difficult summer as water managers across central New Mexico warn of shrinking river flows, stressed reservoirs, and possible drying along parts of the river.
Officials say the problems began during the winter and early spring. Snowpack in the mountains was below normal, and warmer temperatures caused the snow to melt faster than usual. That created an early runoff season that moved water through the system quickly instead of spreading it across the spring and summer months.
that conditions this year are among the most difficult seen in recent years. The district said the Rio Grande in Albuquerque dried for the first time in more than 40 years during 2022, and similar drying happened again in 2025. Water managers now expect another drying event during the coming weeks unless weather patterns improve significantly.
Irrigators May See Longer Waits.
Farmers and irrigators in the Middle Rio Grande Valley are already beginning to feel the effects…