Southwestern U.S. water artery and border river
Public lands policy moves under renewed scrutiny as the administration signals potential changes to long-standing access rules, with Senators and regulators weighing the impacts on conservation, recreation and energy development.
San Carlos Lake has been closed indefinitely after drought conditions and water releases from the Coolidge Dam caused a mass fish kill, destroying the lake’s fish population. Officials warn of health risks and are prohibiting fishing, harvesting and possession of fish until further notice.
The National Park Service is removing mountain goats from the Tetons after a three-year effort to protect native bighorn sheep. Park officials say nonnative goats pose disease risks and compete for habitat, prompting ongoing removal by specialized contractors as rangers engage the public in reporting sightings.
Kelsey Pfendler has completed a solo row from California to Hawaii, finishing in under 44 days and setting records as the first American woman, youngest woman and fastest to complete the journey unassisted. Supporters greeted her upon arrival in Honolulu after a 2,400+ mile transit, with extensive social-media documentation of the voyage.
A federal analysis shows Lake Powell could fall to 3,491 feet by March 2027, risking hydropower as the reservoir nears the minimum power pool. Authorities are moving water from Flaming Gorge to stabilize levels while talks among Western governors intensify.
Kenya Wildlife Service has reported that 15 elephants have died in the Amboseli ecosystem between 24 June and 24 July after showing paralysis and difficulty breathing. Preliminary tests have detected traces of cyanide in carcasses and tomatoes were found in stomachs. Investigations are ongoing into the cyanide source as farmers and conservationists dispute the cause.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released a ten-year framework that would spare Colorado’s Lower Basin states from mandatory cuts for now, while allowing up to 3 million acre-feet of annual reductions through 2036 based on hydrology. The plan shifts decision-making to biennial reviews and emphasizes flexibility as temperatures and drought persist. California, Arizona and Nevada would share cuts and prioritize water rights, with impacts expected on agriculture, cost of water, and groundwater reliance.
The Colorado River and its two major reservoirs, Mead and Powell, remain at historic lows amid record snowpack deficits and prolonged drought. Federal officials have proposed flexible, staged water cuts for the Lower Basin while keeping extra time for agreement among states. The development could affect millions who rely on the river for drinking water, agriculture, and power.
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.
Federal agencies have unveiled a 10-year framework to manage the Colorado River, mandating deep cuts to California, Arizona and Nevada while preserving flexibility for future negotiations as drought persists. The plan contemplates annual reductions in the lower basin and signals ongoing debate over allocation and long-term governance.
A series of reports shows Colorado marmots fattening up for winter as Fat Marmot Week launches to raise funds for long-running marmot research amid federal funding cuts. Last winter’s low snowpack increased marmot deaths and shifting social dynamics are visible in alpine colonies across the region.
Across the U.S. West, the Colorado River faces unprecedented shortages as drought tightens supplies for cities and farms. Nevada sues over planned cuts; big reservoirs hit record lows; states weigh deeper reductions while El Niño offers little immediate relief.
A major flash flood has struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon after intense Saturday afternoon storms. Park staff have evacuated more than 60 people, recovered at least one body and are seeking information on others unaccounted for. The flood damaged the canyons water pipeline and has forced emergency water restrictions and area closures as rain continues to threaten the region.
Rains driven by El Niño have intensified at Bright Angel Creek, triggering a deadly flood near the Grand Canyon. The event follows drought and a megafire that scarred the area, with authorities warning debris flows and ongoing risk as crews assess damages.