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Federal Hydrologist Warns of Historically Low Colorado River Forecast, Threatening Hydroelectric Power

Federal Hydrologist Warns of Historically Low Colorado River Forecast, Threatening Hydroelectric Power

A federal hydrologist has reported a dire forecast for the Colorado River Basin, predicting historically low water inflows into Lake Powell this summer. Cody Moser from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center highlighted that only 800,000 acre-feet of water is expected to flow into Lake Powell by July, which is just 13% of its average supply. This would mark the lowest summer inflow in the reservoir's history. The situation is exacerbated by record-low snowpack and a March heat wave, despite a cooler and wetter April. In response, the Interior Department has initiated emergency measures to prevent Lake Powell from dropping to levels that would halt hydroelectric power production. This includes redirecting water from the Flaming Gorge reservoir. Meanwhile, negotiations among the seven states reliant on the river have stalled, with upper and lower basin states at odds over water usage reductions. Recently, Nevada, California, and Arizona proposed conserving an additional one-million acre feet of water annua...
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Changing Weather Patterns Drive Valley Fever Spread Across U.S.

Changing Weather Patterns Drive Valley Fever Spread Across U.S.

Valley Fever, a fungal disease caused by airborne spores of the coccidioides fungus, is expanding beyond its traditional range in the Desert Southwest due to changing weather patterns. Historically concentrated in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, the disease is now being reported in Oregon, Washington, and potentially the Midwest. Climate change is creating conditions favorable for the fungus, including hotter, drier weather punctuated by extreme rain events. These conditions allow the spores to thrive in soil and become airborne during dust storms, hurricane winds, and floodwaters. California has already reported 2,197 cases in 2026, nearing the total for 2025. Experts warn that Valley Fever could reach Canada within decades.
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Lake Powell's Water Levels Reach Record Lows Amid Drought

Lake Powell's Water Levels Reach Record Lows Amid Drought

Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the United States, is experiencing historically low water levels due to prolonged drought conditions and record-breaking heat. According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the reservoir is currently only 23% full, with storage levels at 39% of the average for this time of year. Federal forecasts predict that the lake will receive just 13% of its typical April-to-July runoff, marking the lowest inflows since its creation in 1963. The Colorado River, which feeds Lake Powell, supports 40 million people and irrigates over 5 million acres of farmland across seven U.S. states and Mexico. Efforts to mitigate the crisis include releasing water from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and reducing downstream releases to Lake Mead. Additionally, Arizona, California, and Nevada have proposed a plan to cut water usage by up to 1 million acre-feet annually through 2028, supported by federal drought funding.
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2026-27 Men’s College Basketball Early Season Tournaments

2026-27 Men’s College Basketball Early Season Tournaments

Changes in scheduling rules mean this page will look different than it has in the past.
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Bradda Head and Tyfast Energy Collaborate to Strengthen U.S. Battery Supply Chain

Bradda Head and Tyfast Energy Collaborate to Strengthen U.S. Battery Supply Chain

Bradda Head and Tyfast Energy Collaborate to Strengthen U.S. Battery Supply Chain
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Wendy's Closes 200 U.S. Locations, Impacting Seven States Significantly

Wendy's Closes 200 U.S. Locations, Impacting Seven States Significantly

Wendy's Closes 200 U.S. Locations, Impacting Seven States Significantly
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US overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but some worry about policy and drug supply changes

US overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but some worry about policy and drug supply changes

About 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year — about 14% fewer than the previous year
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Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risk Escalate in California and Arizona

Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risk Escalate in California and Arizona

California and Arizona are experiencing extreme heat conditions, with temperatures soaring well into the 100s°F (37°C+). The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning for Phoenix, Arizona, and heat advisories for Central California. Concurrently, red flag warnings have been issued across California, Arizona, and Utah, signaling heightened wildfire risks due to dry air, gusty winds, and primed vegetation. According to NOAA's recent climate assessment, May is expected to bring above-average wildfire potential across parts of the Southwest, northern Plains, and southeastern coastal regions. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that fire activity is already above average, with 1,848,210 acres burned as of late April, a 194% increase compared to the 10-year average. These conditions highlight the critical overlap of early-season heat and fire weather alerts in the region.
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Mountain West Connection Baseball Power Rankings: Week 13

Mountain West Connection Baseball Power Rankings: Week 13

Lots of excitement, but very little movement heading into the final week of the regular season
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Colorado River Faces Critical Water Crisis Amid Record Low Snowpack

Colorado River Faces Critical Water Crisis Amid Record Low Snowpack

The Colorado River is experiencing one of its most severe water crises, driven by record-low snowpacks and dwindling reservoir levels. According to The Washington Post, recent measures, including a short-term water-saving proposal by Arizona, California, and Nevada, aim to conserve 3.2 million acre-feet of water through 2028. These efforts are intended to stabilize Lake Mead, which supplies water to 20 million people and powers the Hoover Dam. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released billions of gallons into Lake Powell to prevent hydropower production from halting. Despite these interventions, experts warn that the crisis remains unresolved due to prolonged overuse and climate change-induced drought. A late-season snowstorm brought up to 30 inches of snow to the Rocky Mountains, but this is insufficient to address the larger issue. Negotiations among Western states over long-term water management have stalled, leaving the future of the river uncertain.
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MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 5-11-26. Pac-12 May Team Rankings.

MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 5-11-26. Pac-12 May Team Rankings.

It’s another week of the Recruiting Roundup. As we get into May, official visits will begin by the end of the month and continue into June. Teams are continuing to load up on June OVs, which will make for a huge recrutiing month. Stay tuned for that. This week, teams were busy during the evaluation […]
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Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands

Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands

The Interior Department is canceling a rule that put public lands conservation on equal footing with development