Water Year 2018 closes as one of driest on record for Upper Colorado River Basin: According to preliminary numbers from the Bureau of Reclamation, water year 2018, which ended Sept. 30, had the third-lowest unregulated inflow into Lake Powell at 4.62 million acre-feet. That’s just 43 percent of average.

River board comments on Crystal Valley Trail: Citing study funded by valley billionaire, one board member says no trail should be an option.

Low flows on the Crystal River lead to state action: Spurred by low flows on the Crystal River and new guidelines regarding water waste, the state Division of Water Resources turned down a diverter’s headgate in late July.

State water board OK’s releases from Ruedi Reservoir to help endangered fish:  The state water board approved two leases for Ruedi Reservoir water intended to help fish populations in the 15-mile reach of the Colorado River and lower Fryingpan River.

Eagle River water efficiency plan focuses on reducing outdoor residential waste: Water plan sets ambitious goals for reducing waste despite projected increases in the region’s population.

Officials release Upper Roaring Fork Management Plan: Plan names stretch of river through Aspen as most at risk and transmountain diversions as the main cause.

Senior calls on the river, fish water in the Pan: Very low flows in the upper Colorado River system are now expected to trigger calls from senior water rights.

City of Aspen moves closer to settlements on Castle and Maroon Creeks water rights cases: A water court referee has set deadlines in the City of Aspen’s settlements with 10 parties over its water rights on Maroon and Castle creeks.

Town of Carbondale’s Weaver Ditch focus of study on water efficiency: Besides leaving more water in the river, another goal of the project is to serve as an example for other irrigators on the Crystal River.

Fryingpan River proposal would increase winter flows, help trout populations: Water in Ruedi Reservoir owned by the Colorado River District would be released to bolster winter flows to at least 70 cfs.

Shoshone plant water rights in Glenwood Canyon eyed by River District: The district is talking with Xcel Energy about the big water right at the Shoshone hydro plant.

State grants flowing into Colorado, Roaring Fork, Eagle rivers: State supports new management plans for river basins in Eagle and Garfield counties.

Colorado mining bill aims to protect water quality near mining operations: The bill would require mine operators to prove they have enough financial backing to protect water quality.

Public funds used for irrigation study in Eagle County, but privacy maintained: The Eagle County Conservation District used $54,300 from CWCB to produce an inventory of 25 irrigation ditches, many in need of repair, but it has yet to release the details.

Snow and tell: low snow-water levels in Roaring Fork Basin indicate low runoff: Low snowpack can lead to low runoff.

Drought response preparations becoming more routine for Eagle River Basin: Watching the snowpack and prepping for drought.

Study provides insight into how dams affect ecology of southwest Colorado rivers: ‘Dams really do have a huge impact on the downstream ecosystem, and it’s not always talked about,’ CSU researcher says.

Water leaders across Colorado stepping up efforts to educate public about resources: A growing number of professional communicators are working to educate the public about Colorado water.