Colorado River
Coverage of Colorado River in the Nexus archive.
- Opinion: When it comes to sharing the Colorado River, Lower Basin states must step up and make hard decisions
The article argues that Arizona, California, and Nevada (Lower Basin states) must acknowledge climate change impacts on the Colorado River, as Colorado and other Upper Basin states have done for decades. It emphasizes the need for hard decisions to address these effects.
- They were on bachelor and bachelorette parties on the Colorado River. Then the Snyder Fire approached.
Two wedding parties on the Colorado River were evacuated during the Snyder Fire as search and rescue teams conducted a large-scale operation. Groups initially planned casual river trips but faced unexpected challenges, including smoke, strong winds, and train-assisted evacuations.
- They were on bachelor and bachelorette parties on the Colorado River. Then the Snyder Fire approached.
Two wedding parties, including a bachelor party and a bachelorette party, were evacuated from the Colorado River near Ruby-Horsethief Canyon due to the approaching Snyder Fire. The evacuations, involving over 120 people, required a complex 11-hour operation by Mesa County Search and Rescue, with Union Pacific Railroad providing hi-rail trucks for transport.
- Mesa County rescuers coordinate largest-ever evacuation of 123 campers as Snyder fire exploded near the Colorado River
Mesa County Search and Rescue coordinated the largest-ever evacuation of 123 campers due to the Snyder fire near the Colorado River. The effort involved collaboration with BLM rangers, CPW, local bus drivers, and Union Pacific to evacuate rafters from Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
- 'Nothing short of a miracle': 120 people, 6 dogs, 1 cat rescued as Snyder Fire approached Colorado River
120 people, six dogs, and one cat were rescued from the Colorado River area as the Snyder Fire approached, using a combination of jet boats and Union Pacific Railroad high-rail trucks. Mesa County Search and Rescue officials called the operation their most complex rescue ever, highlighting teamwork and quick coordination.
- An AI data center suing for Colorado River water highlights a bigger question: Who should get the West's water?
An AI data center developer in California's Imperial Valley is suing for access to Colorado River water, arguing it would use water from fallowed farmland for cooling. The lawsuit challenges traditional agricultural water use, raising questions about redirecting water to tech industries amid drought and scarcity.
- Boaters evacuated from Snyder Mesa Fire after multi-agency effort
Around 120 boaters and six dogs were safely evacuated from the Loma to Westwater section of the Colorado River as the Snyder Mesa Fire rapidly spread toward the river corridor. The evacuation followed a multi-agency effort to ensure safety.
- As Colorado River States Struggle to Reach Agreement, New Mexico Brings on a Fresh Voice
New Mexico introduced a new representative to the Upper Colorado River Commission during discussions on sharing the over-allocated Colorado River. Upper Basin representatives stated that poor hydrology prevents reservoir drawdowns from addressing the river's long-term decline.
- The Colorado River is vanishing — and the fixes are getting weird
The Colorado River faces collapse due to chronic overuse and drought, with seven Western states deadlocked over water reduction agreements. The Trump administration is shifting toward federal funding for supply-boosting projects as states fail to resolve disputes between Upper and Lower Basin regions.
- Colorado River inner tube ride takes tragic turn for woman
A woman is fighting for her life after a boating accident on the Colorado River near Needles Bridge on June 20. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. and was responded to by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit.
- Tensions are rising between states that rely on the Colorado River
Tensions are escalating among states dependent on the Colorado River. Approximately 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of cropland rely on the river for drinking water and irrigation.
- In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down
Andy Biggs and David Schweikert, Republican candidates in Arizona's gubernatorial primary, clashed in a debate over strategies to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. Biggs emphasized his general election viability and bipartisan history, while Schweikert criticized him as too extreme and highlighted his experience in competitive districts. Both candidates addressed water management challenges amid a drought.
- Austin Youth River Watch steps in the Colorado River
Austin Youth River Watch visited the Colorado River in eastern Travis County to engage in hands-on learning about freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates.
- Hoover Dam Approaches a Hydropower Cliff
The Hoover Dam faces significant hydropower capacity reductions as Lake Mead approaches a critical 1,035 feet elevation threshold. The Colorado River's struggle to meet demand threatens this decline, with the drop expected within the next year.
- As river outfitters brace for a low-water season, a glampground on the Colorado River is betting big
An outfitter in Parachute and a boat-in campsite in De Beque are partnering, betting on stable water levels in the dam-controlled Colorado River section despite lower flows elsewhere.
- Utah senator: AZ it will forfeit millions in conservation aid if it sues over Colorado River water
U.S. Senator Mike Lee warned Arizona, California, and Nevada that they risk losing $354 million in conservation aid if they pursue litigation over Colorado River water management. The funds, from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, expire in September, and Lee urged states to resolve disputes over water allocation instead of engaging in legal battles.
- Are less-thirsty crops a solution to Colorado’s growing water problems?
Colorado State University tests drought-tolerant crops like black-eyed peas to address water shortages, as agriculture consumes up to 90% of the state's water. The article explores potential shifts from water-intensive crops (e.g., alfalfa) to less-thirsty alternatives (e.g., rye grass, camelina) to conserve water and ease conflicts over river supplies, but highlights challenges like market demand for traditional crops.
- Latest Colorado River proposal is disappointing, some officials say. Here’s why.
The federal government is proposing a 10-year plan to manage the Colorado River's reservoirs due to stalled negotiations among seven states and Mexico. Officials express concerns about the plan's requirement to renegotiate operations every two years, which could hinder long-term stability and funding for water management programs.
- Colorado River compact negotiators see rocky road toward mediation
Colorado River compact negotiators from upper and lower basins acknowledge challenges in reaching a long-term water management agreement, with mediation considered as a potential solution. Key agreements governing water allotments are set to expire, and the Bureau of Reclamation has proposed a draft plan to address constrained conditions.
- Why one of the cities most dependent on the Colorado River now has water for sale
San Diego, once heavily dependent on the Colorado River, now has surplus water to sell to states facing supply cuts from the shrinking river.
- 3-year-old girl hospitalized after being struck by boat at San Bernardino County river
A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a boat at the Park Moabi Channel on the Colorado River in Needles, San Bernardino County, on May 23. Deputies responded to the collision around 3:46 p.m., and investigators indicated the boat operator had backed away from the scene.
- Colorado River crisis could force drastic water measures across the West
The Colorado River is shrinking, affecting approximately 40 million people across the West who depend on it for water. The region may face drastic measures due to the river's declining water levels. The crisis could have significant impacts on daily life and resource management.
- The Colorado River, whose water is shared by 7 states, is shrinking
The Colorado River is facing a disaster due to its shrinking water levels, which are shared by seven states. This sharing of water among the states is a significant part of the problem. The situation is being reported by Jonathan Vigliotti.
- US plan for Colorado River could cut up to 40% supply for Arizona, California and Nevada
The US government has proposed a plan to cut up to 40% of current water supplies to Arizona, California, and Nevada due to the drought-stricken Colorado River. The proposal comes after seven states failed to reach an agreement on the issue. The plan may help address critically low reservoir levels in the river.
- Trump administration readying a plan to impose Colorado River water cuts on Western states
The Trump administration is developing a 10-year plan to impose water cuts on Western states due to the over-tapped Colorado River, with reassessments every two years. The plan aims to address the river's water shortage. Western states will be affected by the new plan.
- Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration and inflation, new poll finds
A new poll shows Arizona voters prioritize water supply and Colorado River protection (50%) over inflation (47%) and immigration (30%). The findings highlight concerns amid worsening Southwest drought and potential cuts to Arizona's Colorado River water share.
- California, Arizona and Nevada propose water-saving plan for Colorado River
California, Arizona, and Nevada have proposed voluntary water-saving measures for the next three years to address declining water levels in the Colorado River's Lake Mead and Lake Powell reservoirs. The plan aims to buy time as negotiations over long-term solutions remain stalled, with reservoir levels at historic lows due to overdrawing, reduced snowpack, and climate change.
- California, Arizona and Nevada announce new water-saving plan for dwindling Colorado River
California, Arizona, and Nevada have negotiated a new water-saving plan to implement larger cutbacks on the Colorado River, which is facing significant water shortages. The plan aims to address the shrinking water supply in the region.
- The Summer the American Water Crisis Turned Real
Concerns over water access in the US are intensifying this summer, with crises emerging in Corpus Christi and across the Colorado River. The situation highlights growing challenges in water availability and management.
- Parched western states at war over Colorado River amid fears major cities may have to accept huge water cuts
Western U.S. states are clashing over water rights on the Colorado River, which supplies water to major cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix. The dispute arises as declining river levels threaten to force severe water cuts for urban areas and agricultural regions.
- How the city with the most to lose in the Colorado River crisis is trying to adapt
Record low winter snows have led to insufficient water in the Colorado River, threatening cities reliant on its supply. A city positioned first in line to face water cuts is implementing measures to adapt to the crisis.
- Colorado River disappeared record for 5M years: now we know where it was
The Colorado River was absent for 5 million years, and recent geological research has identified where it was during that period. The study, published on phys.org, reveals new insights into the river's historical flow patterns.
- Trump administration takes emergency step to sustain key Colorado River reservoir
The Trump administration has initiated emergency federal actions to address the worsening crisis at Lake Powell, a key Colorado River reservoir. The measures aim to stabilize water levels amid intensifying drought conditions and declining reservoir capacity.
- Scientists finally know where the Colorado River’s missing water is going
Scientists have identified that warmer, drier springs are causing plants to absorb more snowmelt before it reaches rivers, explaining 70% of the Colorado River's water shortfall. This shift is linked to the long-running Millennium drought, resolving a mystery for water managers.