Drought

Mancos urges residents to restrict water use, amps up restrictions enforcement

The Mancos Marshal’s Office will not longer issue warnings; instead, violations will incur citations

August 14, 2026

Southwest Colorado’s domestic water supply’s vulnerabilities unknown

Region’s conservation district looks to better define resource in face of persistent drought, projected population growth

July 30, 2026

Local News

Lewis-Arriola firefighters suppress several wildfires over the weekend

Two blazes started by lightning; a third believed to be sparked by fireworks

July 20, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado tourism down as drought and fire deter visitors

Officials worry about the economy, health of businesses long term

July 17, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado ranchers face ‘triple whammy’ amid fires, drought and high costs

Some Montezuma County officials worry ranchers will start to leave the region

July 15, 2026

Local News

CPW enacts voluntary fishing closure on Animas, San Juan and Dolores rivers

Water temperatures consistently reaching 71 degrees and above in Southwest Colorado

July 13, 2026

Local News

‘Pizza for Producers’ event invites Southwest Colorado farmers, ranchers to build community

The event is part of several community initiatives by Montezuma County and the CSU Extension

July 10, 2026

Local News

Despite regional fires, Cortez still plans to host July 4 fireworks show

While multiple blazes burn in the Four Corners, Cortez officials say the show will go on, weather permitting

July 1, 2026

Local News

As drought deepens, a Colorado ranching family prays for rain

Gov. Jared Polis declared a statewide emergency last week

June 13, 2026

Local News

Free squash planting workshop to teach indigenous methods in Cortez

Good Sam’s Food Pantry to promote water resources and Indigenous knowledge in new gardening workshop

June 3, 2026

Local News

April rain lifts Cortez precipitation totals, but relief is minor

Snowpack in Dolores Basin remains low as water restrictions set to begin across the region

May 12, 2026

Local News

Mancos to impose mandatory outdoor watering restrictions for summer

Guidelines will remain in place until Sept. 30

May 11, 2026

Local News

Cortez City Council hears water supply report in the midst of severe drought

Dolores Water Conservancy District General Manager Ken Curtis discusses municipal and agricultural consequences at Tuesday’s City Council meeting

May 1, 2026

Local News

Cortez and surrounding areas see freeze warning and small chances of precipitation

NWS advises residents to protect sensitive crops and outdoor plumbing

April 30, 2026

Drought

Southwest Colorado recreation industry can adapt during low-water years, panelists say

Panel highlights strategies to sustain rivers and outdoor tourism during drought

March 28, 2026

Colorado’s early snowmelt is a preview of a hotter future

Expect a longer wildfire season and major headaches for state water managers

March 23, 2026

Farmington braces for snow drought but maintains secure water supply

‘We have ample water supply,’ Mayor Duckett says

February 10, 2026

Report says New Mexico faces ‘looming groundwater crisis’ from climate change, overuse

Experts recommend groundwater included, understood in regional planning

January 15, 2026

‘Snow drought’ observed across the West, amid higher-than-average winter temps

New Mexico’s snow cover was one quarter of the median level usually observed on Dec. 10

December 12, 2025

Future drought will likely change large migratory bird patterns to New Mexico

Snow geese migrating south above at the Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge on Nov. 9, 2021. Danielle Prokop/Source NMcca If…

November 25, 2025

Arizona, Nevada and Mexico get less Colorado River water for a third year

States are working to reach agreement by next year on new long-term rules

August 15, 2025

Montezuma County farmers eligible for USDA emergency loans

Few farmers have taken advantage of the decade-long program

August 5, 2025

‘The Big Dry continues’: Cortez’s April precipitation data are in

Storms in early May are just a ‘Small Damp in the Big Dry,’ weather watcher says

May 5, 2025

Southern Colorado’s ‘dismal’ snowpack has water managers worried

Can storms make up for a dry winter?

March 26, 2025