When the Rio Runs Dry

The Rio Grande in New Mexico has had a rough year. A record-low snowpack this past winter, combined with limited storage capacity due to ongoing upgrades at El Vado Dam, left the river’s water reserves nearly empty. More than 75 miles of the river dried up this summer, including the Albuquerque stretch. 

To help combat the drying and reduce harm to the local ecosystem, Audubon Southwest partnered with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and other organizations to deliver water back into the river at strategic points known as “outfalls.” Outfalls are a key part of the region’s irrigation system. They can release water back into the river during times of drought or remove it from swollen irrigation ditches during floods. In dry years like this one, they play another vital role: serving as critical refuges for wildlife. When the river dries, these outfalls may be the only places where animals can find water for miles around. 

Frogs, dragonflies, fish, bobcats, birds, porcupines, beavers, and more depend on water to survive the scorching summer. When water disappears, it’s not just an inconvenience. It can be the difference between life and death. 

To stretch the impact of our limited water supplies, we’re also restoring habitat around these outfall sites. These projects aim to strengthen the Middle Rio Grande’s bosque ecosystem, making it healthier and more resilient for the future. Every drop of water we deliver can support not just a riverbed, but an entire living system. 

It’s not easy work. It takes planning, coordination, and a lot of trial and error. But each year, we learn more about how to care for this river and the incredible range of life that depends on it. With continued effort and smart water management, we can protect the Rio Grande and keep its lifeblood flowing—for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.