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Economics5h 5m ago
After more than 20 years of drought intensified by human-caused climate change, the Colorado River is in crisis, putting at risk massive agricultural irrigation operations that consume about 80 percent of its water.
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Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico
Who
Tony Valdez, Bryan Seppie, Brandon Gebhart
What
After more than 20 years of drought intensified by human-caused climate change, the Colorado River is in crisis, putting at risk massive agricultural irrigation operations that consume about 80 percent of its water.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:43:17 GMT · 5h 5m ago
Where
Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico ·
Why
The Colorado River Basin states are releasing 1 million additional acre-feet of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir to save downstream Lake Powell and maintain the Colorado River system, which is in crisis due to drought and low snowpack.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
Emergency water releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir are severely impacting local recreation economies as water levels drop rapidly, damaging infrastructure and reducing fish habitats. This action aims to prevent Lake Powell from falling below its minimum power pool, which would jeopardize hydroelectric power generation and structural integrity, with long-term recovery of Flaming Gorge uncertain.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- Currently Reading5h 5m agoAfter more than 20 years of drought intensified by human-caused climate change, the Colorado River is in crisis, putting at risk massive agricultural irrigation operations that consume about 80 percent of its water.
- Economics5h 5m agoThe drought-induced drawdown of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, intended to save downstream Lake Powell, is negatively impacting the recreation economy in Wyoming and Utah.Open article
- Economics5h 5m agoThe Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Wyoming-Utah border is experiencing a significant drawdown, impacting local businesses and recreation as water is released to support Lake Powell, which is at risk of falling below its minimum power pool.Open article