Drought

Colorado aspen trees are starting to change colors unusually early this year – despite the continued summer heat. Why is this happening? And how will it affect the thousands of leaf-peepers who drive to the high county to enjoy the fall colors? We explore the science behind why the aspens are popping early this year.

Drought conditions are expected to continue. Las Vegas has many conservation efforts including using water patrols.

New laws and policies from state lawmakers are pushing for more drought-tolerant properties. Part of the effort is restricting what HOAs can ban.

Drought this spring has increased significantly across our region, with some states already hitting the highest levels.

Money from the Inflation Reduction Act has helped save water in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin. President-elect Trump appears poised to take away funding for those programs.

The seven states that share the shrinking river are deeply divided about new rules for its future. They met in Las Vegas for the annual Colorado River Water Users Association, or CRWUA, conference.

The seven states that use the Colorado River are like kids coming home to a family reunion. Those who follow river policy are frustrated with their level of disagreement.

The Biden Administration's Interior Department released proposals for managing the river in an apparent attempt to nudge the states toward agreement.

The Colorado River Delta is almost entirely dry, but environmentalists are hoping they can keep getting water to restore habitats after a U.S.-Mexico agreement expires in 2026.

Temperature rise from climate change means trouble for Western states robbed of moisture by “thirstier” atmosphere. Listen to our "Morning Edition" host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun reporter Michael Booth, and then read The Colorado Sun story at the link below.