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Utah State University Appoints Gina Gilson as Interim Director for Center for Colorado River Studies

Utah State University Appoints Gina Gilson as Interim Director for Center for Colorado River Studies

Utah State University (USU) has named Gina Gilson as the Interim Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies, effective August 1. Gilson, an assistant professor in the Department of Environment and Society, brings extensive experience in water-related research and expertise to her new role. She previously managed Utah Valley University’s Capitol Reef Field Station, where she focused on water rights, management, and policy. Gilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Biology from Creighton University and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Geography and the Environment from Oxford University. The Center for Colorado River Studies will also undergo a reorganization, falling under the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air. This strategic move aims to better connect USU's research on the Colorado River basin with policymakers and decision-makers. The former director, Jack Schmidt, will continue his involvement with the center as a senior research scientist.
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ASU Experts Discuss Solutions to Colorado River Water Supply Cuts in Arizona

ASU Experts Discuss Solutions to Colorado River Water Supply Cuts in Arizona

The U.S. Department of Interior has mandated cuts to Arizona's allocation of water from the Colorado River due to declining water levels. Arizona, one of seven states drawing from the river, faces a reduction of 760,000 acre-feet. While other states have imposed water usage restrictions on citizens, Arizona cities have not yet done so, largely because most do not currently use their full water allotments and store excess in local aquifers. However, these cuts will limit future contributions to these 'savings accounts.' Experts from Arizona State University (ASU), including the Kyl Center for Water Policy, Impact Water - Arizona, and the ASU Water Institute, are actively researching and discussing sustainable solutions. These solutions range from advanced water purification to removing salt and minerals from other water sources and transporting them to Arizona. Agricultural usage is identified as a primary target for more efficient water use, as municipal usage in urban areas has remained stable despite pop...
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Lake Powell Faces Water Crisis Amid Emergency Releases

Lake Powell Faces Water Crisis Amid Emergency Releases

Officials in the Upper Colorado River Basin have decided to continue emergency water releases from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir through April 2027 to address critically low water levels at Lake Powell, as reported by The Colorado Sun. Since April 2026, approximately 450,000 acre-feet of water have been released, with plans to release an additional 550,000 acre-feet by April 2027. The Bureau of Reclamation aims to maintain Lake Powell's surface elevation above 3,510 feet while ensuring Glen Canyon Dam can continue releasing 6-7 million acre-feet of water annually. Both Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the largest reservoirs in the U.S., hit record-low levels in August 2026 due to a combination of low snowpack, prolonged drought, and high water demand. As of September 2026, Lake Powell is only 21% full, while Lake Mead is at 26% capacity.
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Utah Faces Persistent Drought as Reservoirs Dip to 50%

Utah Faces Persistent Drought as Reservoirs Dip to 50%

Utah continues to experience widespread drought conditions as the state approaches the end of its hydrologic water year on September 30, 2026. According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, 100% of the state is currently in some form of drought, with statewide reservoir storage averaging 50%—9% below the seasonal norm. Key river systems, including the Bear, Upper Provo, Upper Duchesne, and Upper Sevier Rivers, are reporting significantly reduced natural flows, ranging from 2.4% to 29% of direct flow rights. Late-summer monsoonal rains have improved soil moisture levels in some areas, which could benefit spring runoff. However, smaller reservoirs are rapidly depleting, and some recreational facilities, such as the boat ramp at Palisade State Park, have been closed due to low water levels. The state is urging residents to conserve water and adjust irrigation practices as cooler temperatures reduce landscape water needs (Utah Division of Water Resources, 2026).
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National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Montezuma County Amidst Continued Rainfall

National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Montezuma County Amidst Continued Rainfall

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Montezuma County, Colorado, effective from Wednesday afternoon until 12 a.m. Friday. This alert comes as a series of storms are expected to bring additional rain to areas already saturated by recent precipitation. Brooke Scholtens, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Grand Junction, indicated that the Cortez area could receive approximately another inch of rain over the next few days. The primary concern is the potential for flash flooding, particularly in at-risk areas such as recent burn scars from the Ferris Fire, steep terrain, and other flood-prone locations, where excessive run-off could cause rivers, streams, and creeks to overflow. Chances for precipitation are high, with 100% likelihood overnight Wednesday into early Thursday morning, and 70% to 90% throughout Thursday. Rainfall is expected to continue through most of Friday.
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USDA Rural Development Invests $24 Million to Upgrade Fort Lupton's Wastewater Infrastructure

USDA Rural Development Invests $24 Million to Upgrade Fort Lupton's Wastewater Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced a $24 million loan for a significant wastewater infrastructure project in Fort Lupton, Colorado. This investment, celebrated by USDA Under Secretary Glen R. Smith, Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Colorado State Director Sallie Clark, will enable Fort Lupton to connect to an existing water treatment plant. The project aims to provide the necessary capacity to support larger infrastructure developments throughout the region. Under Secretary Smith emphasized that this investment aligns with Presidential Executive Orders to strengthen essential infrastructure and expand long-term opportunities in rural communities. The consolidation of the wastewater system is expected to treat the city's wastewater to optimal levels, thereby improving water quality in the South Platte River and delivering cleaner raw water to downstream users. Congressman Evans highlighted the rapid growth in Northern Colorado and the critical need for water infrast...
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Senator Hickenlooper Calls for Swift Investigation into Wildland Firefighter Deaths Amidst Intense Fire Season

Senator Hickenlooper Calls for Swift Investigation into Wildland Firefighter Deaths Amidst Intense Fire Season

Senator John Hickenlooper has urged a 'swift and thorough' federal investigation into the deaths of four wildland firefighters from the Rifle Interagency Helitack Crew. The firefighters died in late June and July while battling blazes near the Colorado-Utah border. The initial report on the incident highlights extreme conditions, including winds gusting over 50 miles per hour and bone-dry fuels. Three firefighters died at the scene after deploying fire shelters, and a fourth succumbed to injuries weeks later. This tragedy occurred during an intense wildfire season, exacerbated by historically low snowpacks and a record-shattering spring heat wave, which many in the wildfire community attribute to human-caused climate change. The incident has sparked critical questions within the firefighting community regarding policies and priorities, particularly concerning direct attack strategies in extreme fire conditions. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy has defended direct attack as an effective m...
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife Uses Deceased Bears and Mountain Lions for Officer Training

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Uses Deceased Bears and Mountain Lions for Officer Training

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed that deceased bears and mountain lions observed in a parking lot were collected for training purposes. These animals are utilized in the CPW's annual training academy for new wildlife officers and damage specialists. The training involves hands-on examination and processing of animal carcasses, which is crucial for learning proper techniques in handling hides and collecting potential evidence for wildlife investigations and management activities. The animals originate from various circumstances, including euthanasia for public safety, depredation incidents, or vehicle collisions. This year, the euthanasia of black bears in Colorado has significantly increased, with 294 bears euthanized through August, which is 2.5 times the five-year average. This rise is attributed to increased human-bear interactions, as bears adapt to drought and wildfires. CPW reported 8,672 black bear sightings or encounters, 3.6 times the five-year average, and seven bear attacks.
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Arizona Faces Major Colorado River Water Cuts

Arizona Faces Major Colorado River Water Cuts

The U.S. Department of Interior has announced significant cuts to Arizona's water allocation from the Colorado River, reducing the state's share by 760,000 acre-feet. This decision comes as water levels in the river have been declining over recent years. Arizona, one of seven states relying on the river, has not yet implemented mandatory water restrictions for residents, unlike other states. Experts at Arizona State University (ASU) are actively working on sustainable solutions to address the water shortage, including advanced water purification and groundwater conservation. While the cuts are not expected to immediately impact major cities due to stored reserves, they could limit future water savings and lead to long-term challenges.
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Western US Weather Shift Brings Flood and Fire Concerns

Western US Weather Shift Brings Flood and Fire Concerns

A surge of moisture from Mexico is bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms across the Southwest and Rockies through the weekend, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows. Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and parts of Utah could see 1–4 inches of rain, with pockets reaching 4–8 inches and localized totals near 12 inches. Meanwhile, a separate dry storm across Oregon, Northern California and Idaho could produce lightning, gusty winds and small hail, raising wildfire concerns.
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Lake Mohave Water Levels to Drop This Fall

Lake Mohave Water Levels to Drop This Fall

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced a planned seasonal drawdown of water levels at Lake Mohave, starting in early October and continuing through January. This annual adjustment is intended to prepare for potential inflows from winter storms and to support conservation efforts for the razorback sucker, a threatened fish species native to the Colorado River. The drawdown is expected to create unusually shallow areas and shifting river conditions, particularly downstream of the Hoover Dam. This measure is part of broader water management strategies in the region, which has been grappling with sustained drought conditions.
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Mexican desalination plant could help Arizona with water. What happens next

Mexican desalination plant could help Arizona with water. What happens next

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona pledged $4.9 million for a study on the feasibility of desalinating seawater in Mexico.