According to preliminary numbers from the Bureau of Reclamation, water year 2018, which ended Sept. 30, had the third-lowest unregulated inflow into Lake Powell at 4.62 million acre-feet. That’s just 43 percent of average.
Author Archives: Heather Sackett
Heather Sackett is the managing editor at Aspen Journalism and the editor and reporter on the Water Desk. She has also reported for The Denver Post and the Telluride Daily Planet. Heather has a master’s degree from CU’s Center for Environmental Journalism and her reporting has been recognized by the Colorado Press Association.
Posted inWater
PitCo river board comments on proposed Crystal Valley trail
The Healthy Rivers and Streams Board recommends that no part of the trail be built on the east side of the Crystal River.
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Low flows on the Crystal River lead to state action
Spurred by low flows on the Crystal River and new guidelines regarding water waste, the state Division of Water Resources turned down a diverter’s headgate in late July.
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State water board OK’s leases for Ruedi Reservoir releases to help endangered fish
The state water board on Wednesday approved two leases for Ruedi Reservoir water intended to help fish populations in the 15-mile reach of the Colorado River and lower Fryingpan River.
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Eagle River water efficiency plan focuses on reducing outdoor residential waste
The draft Eagle River Regional Water Efficiency Plan focuses on reducing waste from outdoor water use. Officials are accepting comments on the plan through July 30.
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Officials release Upper Roaring Fork Management Plan
Aspen officials release Upper Roaring Fork River Management Plan, which names stretch of river through Aspen as most at risk and transmountain diversions as the main cause.
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Senior calls on the river, fish water in the Pan
Very low flows in the upper Colorado River system are now expected to trigger calls from senior water rights. And water releases from Ruedi Reservoir into the lower Fryingpan River will begin on Friday to bolster downstream flows.
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City of Aspen moves closer to settlements on Castle and Maroon creeks water rights cases
A water court referee has set deadlines in the City of Aspen’s settlements with 10 parties over its water rights on Maroon and Castle creeks.
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Public funds used for irrigation study in Eagle County, but privacy maintained
The Eagle County Conservation District used $54,300 from CWCB to produce an inventory of 25 irrigation ditches, many in need of repair, but it has yet to release the details.
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Snow and tell: low snow-water levels in Roaring Fork basin indicate poor runoff
Low snowpack can lead to low runoff