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

One crop uses more than half of Utah’s water. Here’s why.

By Brian Maffly and Mark Eddington, The Salt Lake Tribune   This article is the first in a series supported by The Water Desk, an independent journalism initiative based at the University of Colorado...

Rain or snow? Observers help scientists understand wintry weather

With a free app, volunteers gather crucial data on what type of precipitation is falling

The Colorado River Is Dying. Can Its Aquatic Dinosaurs Be Saved?

The razorback sucker has survived in the river for more than 3 million years. Climate change could end that.

In burned forests, the West’s snowpack is melting earlier

As blazes expand to higher elevations, the impacts cascade downstream

Western Slope lawmakers take Colorado River managers to task

Missed deadlines, threat of litigation, conservation program prompt questions

New study shows Durango’s water supplies declining dramatically as climate change, drought hit home

A new study finds that Durango can no longer depend solely on direct flow from the Florida and Animas rivers for a reliable supply of water.

Report: Estimates of future Upper Colorado River Basin water use confound planning

Some water experts say unrealistic projections make it harder to plan for a future under climate change.

Lake Powell is draining away from Bullfrog Marina. Now it has to move

For Dave and Gaye Babcock, Lake Powell is like part of the family.  The couple from Helper, Utah, have been coming for nearly 50 years. They got engaged at the...
Miller and Wille photo

Monitoring will make sure Aspen snowmaking doesn’t harm creeks

A monitoring program is trying to ensure that Aspen Skiing Co.’s increased water use for snowmaking won’t harm area creeks.

Post-fire study finds snowpack melts earlier

Loss of forest canopy and deposition of ash alter forest hydrology