Badly needed snowfall is expected in Colorado’s high country this week, but one expert says the state will need much more than the amount in the forecast to stave off drought on par with the one that marked the parched year of 2002, which saw reservoirs depleted to record-low levels and raging wildfires.

Here’s the choice: Colorado can dry up 400,000 acres of farmland, build a couple more pipelines through the Rockies or put 5 million new residents of the state--plus most already living here - on permanent watering restrictions or shower schedules. Can’t make up your mind? You’re not alone.

The Colorado River, undoubtedly one of the most studied waterways in the West and lifeline to roughly 30 million people, is about to undergo yet another look. This time, however, it will be only the portion of the river that flows through Garfield County — specifically, from the Eagle/Garfield county line in the east, to the upper end of DeBeque Canyon in the west.

Scientists from a variety of organizations, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have been able to establish an accurate record of how human activities have increased the amount of dust falling on high country snowpack.

Despite a flood of recent evidence that drought is endangering the Colorado River and all of the communities from Colorado to California that depend on its unimpeded flow, the Aspen Daily News reports climate-change doubters are still clouding the debate over proper management of the Southwest’s most critical water supply.

Eric Kuhn, General Manager of the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD), says an interstate compact call on Colorado River water users would cause chaos unless a plan can be put in place to handle the turmoil.