Staging version updated 12/5/2023

An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder

Dropping reservoirs create ‘green light’ for sustainability on Colorado River

Dropping reservoir levels have opened a window of opportunity for water-management policies that move the river system toward sustainability.

Data viz: Navajo Lake levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation
Glen Canyon Dam photo

As Colorado River reservoirs shrink, feds ask for work-arounds for 2022

As drought threatens Colorado River reservoirs' ability to generate hydropower, the Bureau of Reclamation is creating work-arounds.

Special Report: Climate change is sapping Colorado’s water supplies. Can its hallmark water law...

Colorado’s “first-in-time, first-in-right” prior appropriation doctrine is coming under increasing scrutiny as rivers and reservoirs dry out.

Photos: Fontenelle Dam and Reservoir, August 2021

This page features imagery of Fontenelle Reservoir along the Green River in southwestern Wyoming. Created by Fontenelle Dam, a 139-foot earthfill dam, Fontenelle Reservoir has a storage capacity of 345,000...

Photos: Morelos Dam, October 2018

This page contains ground-based and aerial photos of Morelos Dam just south of where California, Arizona and Mexico meet. Morelos Dam was constructed in 1950 after The Mexican Water Treaty...

Special Report: As Lake Powell hits record lows, is filling a new drought pool...

Upper Basin states that created their own drought contingency plan still haven’t agreed on the biggest, most controversial element of the plan.

Wolf Creek reservoir project secures River District grant

The Colorado River Water Conservation District approved a request to partially fund the permitting costs for a dam and reservoir project in northwest Colorado.

Photos: Parker Dam, February 2021

This page features photos of Parker Dam, located along the Colorado River on the Arizona-California border.   Built between 1934 and 1938 by the Bureau of Reclamation, Parker Dam is...
Irrigation from the Crystal River photo

River District report highlights Western Slope concerns with state water-savings plan

The Colorado River Water Conservation District staff plans to present its own framework for a water-savings plan at its October board meeting.