Rio Blanco County

Colorado has expanded fishing restrictions on hundreds of miles of river sections due to extreme drought and rising water temperatures. Voluntary afternoon closures are in effect on parts of the White River in Rio Blanco County to protect fish, particularly mountain whitefish, as temperatures exceed 71 degrees, reducing oxygen levels and stressing fish populations.

Recent wildfire burn scars in Colorado could increase dangerous flooding risks during monsoon season as heavy rainfall runs off quickly from fire-damaged soil. The National Weather Service warns that even half an inch of rain can trigger flash floods and debris flows in affected areas, with closures of major highways like I-70 and Highway 145 already reported due to mudslides.

A wildfire in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, has grown to 131.1 acres, with County Road 76 closed to all traffic to ensure firefighter safety. Fire officials report no imminent threat to people or structures, though power outages affect areas near County Roads 3, 76, and 5.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife killed an uncollared wolf from the Copper Creek Pack linked to 10 confirmed depredation events involving 22 sheep since 2025. The wolf evaded previous removal attempts before being lethally removed following recent attacks in Routt County, with agencies citing non-lethal efforts as insufficient.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) lethally removed an uncollared wolf linked to 10 confirmed depredation events involving 22 sheep since 2025. The wolf, originally from the Copper Creek Pack, was responsible for attacks in Rio Blanco and Routt Counties, with non-lethal measures previously attempted. This marks the second wolf killed since Colorado's voter-mandated reintroduction program began in 2023.