Author Archives: Curtis Wackerle

Record-low water storage levels at lakes Mead and Powell after more than two decades of drought conditions are among the chief indicators that the basin is “facing the growing reality that water supplies for agriculture, fisheries, ecosystems, industry and cities are no longer stable due to climate change.”

As Powell drops, invasive fish will enter lower Colorado River Basin, threatening progress.

All that’s fresh from our water and data desks, plus a summer event announcement with Thomas L. Friedman

Did Colorado rivers just peak? Streamflows down after cooler temperatures, snowpack below average; winter occupancy and Lake Powell levels on the rise.

You never want to say that a particular article is the culmination of a years-long reporting effort. There is always more to the story, and in this case, local environmental groups are not pleased with the outcome, so eyes peeled for a follow up. But Water Desk Editor Heather Sackett’s scoop, published Saturday in collaboration […]

From the Water Desk, an in-depth look at how the mandate coming out of the 2015 Colorado Water Plan to give greater weight to the ecological and recreational needs of a river is playing out. Tracking the Curve has Pitkin County’s new COVID-19 case incidence rate falling, while the Data Dashboard notes the Crystal River streamflow has tripled over the last week.

Analysis on the Lead King Loop stakeholder process and potential outcomes. Plus rising water levels recorded at Lake Powell, local COVID-19 updates and the Bucket.

Composting for landfill sustainability, spring runoff forecast for Upper Colorado River basin, data dashboard, tracking the curve, and more.

Judges of the Society of Professional Journalists contest for news organizations from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming recognized exceptional journalism from all corners of our newsroom. Work from our water, environment, data and social justice desks received awards.