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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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Pilot dies in reservoir crash

Accident under investigation; man honored with procession

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

An experienced firefighting pilot who was pulling water from Silver Jack Reservoir to battle the Gold Mountain Fire died Sunday when his helicopter plunged into the reservoir northeast of Ridgway. Nic...

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Heights, heat add to firefighters’ strain

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Hotshot Jesse Eaves calls it “The Great Race.” At the small tent city along U.S. Highway 550, Eaves starts each day with a 5 a.m. wakeup call. Thus begins an eight-minute sprint for him and his Califo...

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County approves hiring fire recovery manager — if it can find funding

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Ouray County intends to hire an employee who can help lead the county’s efforts to recover from the Gold Mountain Fire — assuming it can find funding. County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agree...

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Trust, county close to conserving open space park

Grants, donations put nonprofit on brink of acquiring Silver Mountain Mine property

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 15, 2026

Ouray County is much closer to getting a new open space park on the Silver Mountain Mine property. The Trust for Land Restoration has received a $180,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant. Couple that wit...

News

Man gets probation, community service in sex assault case

One of three defendants, Whittington admits to giving alcohol to minor

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

A former Ouray County man was sentenced Monday to one year of unsupervised probation for providing alcohol to a then-17-year-old girl who said she was sexually assaulted by two others at the former Ou...

Heather Sackett

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines