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Scientists studying water supply focus on weeks following peak snowpack

Water managers in the Colorado River basin are gaining a better understanding that what happens in the weeks after peak snowpack — not just how much s...

January 25, 2023

News

County asks water board to delay filing aimed at protecting stream flows

Ouray County is asking the state water board to delay a water court filing designed to protect stream flows so it can try to resolve issues in a separ...

November 18, 2021

News

Water users may be paid to consume less

The Colorado River Water Conservation District staff plans to present its own framework for a water-savings plan — separate from one the state of Colo...

October 7, 2021

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Blue Mesa releases impact recreation

BLUE MESA RESERVOIR — In an effort to prop up water levels at the declining Lake Powell, federal water managers are negatively impacting recreation on...

September 8, 2021

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County water project faces stiff opposition

[tecnavia_gallery slug='county-water-project-faces-stiff-opposition-gallery' view='carousel']Water users in Ouray County are hoping to satisfy water s...

September 1, 2021

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

Heather Sackett

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines