Early winter storms brought limited relief, but much of the Colorado River Basin remains affected by uneven snowfall and below-normal snowpack.

Utah entered winter with below-normal snowpack, record warmth, and drought covering 93 percent of the state, raising concerns for the 2026 water year.

Colorado River negotiations among seven Western states have stalled as reservoirs drop and deadlines slip. Federal intervention may follow if talks fail by February 2026.

California water agencies unveiled a framework to conserve Colorado River supplies as states negotiate new rules ahead of the 2026 deadline.

Research from Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho examines groundwater pollution tied to mining and its implications for ecosystems and public health.

Lake Oroville’s Feather River Hatchery exceeded salmon spawning goals in December 2025, expanding production to support struggling Chinook populations.