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County opposes state proposal for Cow Creek

Ouray County has filed a statement of opposition to the state's proposal for an instream flow water right in Cow Creek, joining the Ouray County Water...

March 9, 2022

News

LET THERE BE DARK

Ouray County now has not only one, but two places recognized for their top stargazing potential and dedication to preserving the night sky. Top of the...

November 24, 2021

News

SAVING THE BLUES

[tecnavia_gallery slug='saving-the-blues-gallery' view='carousel']April and Kevin Rarick had Blue Lakes on their list of must-do Colorado hikes for th...

July 1, 2021

Covid

HAZARDOUS HILLS

[tecnavia_gallery slug='hazardous-hills-gallery' view='carousel']UPDATE: Avalanche warning in effect for Tuesday morning. Read more here. Deputy Mon...

February 10, 2021

News

Commissioner races now contested

Two more candidates have filed paperwork to officially enter the county commissioners’ races – and one will oppose incumbent John Peters and the other...

June 4, 2020

News

County seeks dining, travel variances

Ouray County will ask for permission to let restaurants resume in-person dining, and for locals to be exempt from a state 10-mile travel limit for rec...

May 21, 2020

News

Superintendent finalists narrowed to 2

The Ouray School Board will choose its new superintendent from two finalists, after interviewing three and having one pull her application from consid...

May 14, 2020

Covid

County slows lifting orders

Ouray County plans on loosening restrictions in relation to COVID-19 on a different timeline than the rest of the state, which will relax "stay-at-hom...

April 23, 2020

News

County delays plowing decision

Ouray County has delayed a decision on whether to proceed with plowing high-country roads, after considering a request to postpone clearing snow from ...

April 16, 2020

Main, News...

Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire

Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas

By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...

Main, News...

Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and...

News

First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 8, 2026

Even though the Gold Mountain Fire is still burning, Ouray County officials are already thinking about flash flood risks in the burn scar as Colorado moves into monsoon season. “This is a predictable ...

News

Water providers ask customers to pull back

Ridgway enacts mandatory irrigation restrictions

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Water managers in Ouray County are asking residents to curtail water use and avoid putting more demand on their distribution systems in light of the Gold Mountain Fire and ongoing tinder-dry condition...

News

Looking Back

50 Years Ago

July 8, 2026

July 7, 1966 Charges have been filed in Ouray County Court against three Ouray youths for violation of state statutes in climbing over a fence at the municipal swimming pool last Friday and breaking b...

Carolina Brown And Erin Mcintyre

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines