Close-up of budding tree branches against a sunny blue sky.

Spring 2026 Newsletter

News from Your Metro District

Drought Conditions: How to Prepare

The image shows the drought outlook for Colorado from March 31 to June 30, 2026, indicating areas of varying drought severity.




Summit County is among the hardest hit in the state, reaching “exceptional” drought status and snowpack hovering at a fraction of typical levels. This ranks among the driest starts to the year in more than a century. The combination of low snowpack, early melt, and ongoing dry conditions is expected to strain water resources and heighten wildfire risk.

This map (right) shows that Summit County, in addition to much of the state, is currently experiencing an exceptional (D4) drought, and it is predicted to persist for at least three months.

Water Restrictions

There are currently no official water restrictions for the residents of Buffalo Mountain Metro District, but this can change if dry weather continues in the high country. To protect the water aquifer, we ask that residents voluntarily limit their water use inside and especially for outside irrigation. If the drought continues or voluntary restrictions are not enough, the district will communicate future water restrictions. For tips and ideas on how to conserve water, see the Water Use & Conservation section of Resident Resources. We appreciate your attention to water conservation this summer!

Wildfire Preparedness

Given the drought conditions that are expected to remain through the summer, there is no time like the present for you to begin preparations for wildfire season. Where to start?

Some of these resources overlap and reiterate the same information, but we can't stress how important prevention and preparedness are for taking care of yourself and your neighbors.

Dead Trees & Landscaping

Keeping landscaping tidy and dead materials cleaned up from your yard is not only important for wildfire preparedness, but it is also part of the rules and regulations. Any dead trees, materials, or noxious weeds should be removed from your property as soon as you are aware, but if the District provides you with a courtesy notice, you will have 30 days to remedy the violation before receiving further notices and penalties.

Upcoming Projects: What to Expect

Large pipes stacked horizontally against a wooden fence.


In the next couple of weeks, the district will be kicking off what is expected to be a busy construction season that will last through September. We want to keep you informed about water outages and road closures.

What the District does to keep you informed:

  • Provide regular updates on the Project Notifications & Updates webpage
  • Reminders on the digital sign on Ryan Gulch Rd
  • Road work signs and traffic control, where applicable
  • If you have signed up, AquaHawk notifications will be sent via text and email

What you can do: