Snowmelt is the primary source of water for rivers originating in the Rocky Mountains.

During winter, snow accumulates on mountain peaks, storing vast amounts of water. When spring arrives, warmer temperatures cause this snow to melt, creating a steady flow that feeds into rivers and streams. This process sustains river levels throughout the dry summer months, providing vital water resources for plants, animals, and human populations downstream. Snowmelt is essential to the ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and contributing to agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies. It is a crucial natural process that shapes the water cycle in the Rocky Mountains region.