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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...

Several homes damaged, 17 people rescued from flooding

By Mike Wiggins

July 30, 2026

At least 17 people were rescued from flooding and debris flows in the Cutler Creek area between Ridgway and Ouray on Wednesday night, authorities said this morning. At least three homes in Ponderosa V...

Main, News...

Evacuations ordered near Cutler Creek as rain pummels burn scar

Oak Street closed due to mud, flooding

By Mike

July 29, 2026

UPDATE, 9:45 p.m. U.S. Highway 550 reopened between Ridgway and Ouray Wednesday night, authorities announced at 9:15 p.m. Emergency officials encouraged motorists to be cautions when driving through a...

Main, News...

Rain on burn scar triggers flooding, evacuation

Hydrologist: Above-average rain forecast through September

By Chart Riggall

July 29, 2026

Heavy rainfall over scorched soil sent flash floods raging down Cutler Creek on Sunday night, spilling mud down through Ponderosa Village and briefly shuttering U.S. Highway 550. The torrent of water ...

Main, News...

Fire scorches bottom lines

Reliant on summer tourism, reeling businesses running out of time to claw back lost revenue

By Mike Wiggins, Chart Riggall and Erin McIntyre

July 29, 2026

It didn’t take but a spark and a stiff breeze to turn Justin Mitchell’s summer upside down. During the first few hours of the Gold Mountain Fire, Mitchell — who runs a horseback guiding outfit in the ...

News

Governments team up on flood mitigation

City, nonprofits pitch in $165,000, while financially pinched county searches for more funding

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

July 29, 2026

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations have begun stepping up to help Ouray County pay to protect homes and roads from flooding and mudslides in the aftermath of the Gold Mountain Fire. The O...

Carolina Brown And Erin Mcintyre

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines