Dolores River

Ferris Fire officials say crews are shifting from active suppression to mop-up and suppression repair. Forest Service and BLM closures remain in place, and officials warn burned areas will have new hazards when they reopen.

Officials say wetter weather is helping moderate fire behavior, but thunderstorms may still bring lightning, heavy rain and erratic winds.

Thunderstorms and higher humidity are helping moderate fire behavior on the Babylon and Ferris fires, but officials say lightning, outflow winds and debris flows remain possible.

As the Ferris Fire burns through Dolores River Canyon, local river advocates are raising concerns about old-growth ponderosa pines, low flows, native fish, sediment, recreation access and long-term ecological impacts.

The Ferris Fire northwest of Dolores is more than 56,000 acres and 22% contained. At a Dove Creek meeting, officials explained how steep terrain, dry fuels, weather and limited access are shaping the firefighting strategy.

The Ferris Fire northwest of Dolores is about 51,000 acres and 21% contained. Fire activity has increased in Dolores River Canyon, and Dolores County has added Zones 13 and 14 to SET status.

Local officials and watershed groups say wildfire preparedness in southwest Colorado includes emergency alerts, evacuation planning, defensible space, forest health and post-fire watershed risks.

The Dolores Watersheds Collaborative is developing a Wildfire Ready Action Plan to identify post-fire flooding, erosion and sedimentation risks in the upper Dolores River watershed.

This week’s Water Wednesday shares current river flow levels across the region and spotlights a new Indigenous-led art exhibit honoring the Dolores River and its cultural significance.

This week’s Water Wednesday reports low river flows and one of the worst snowpack years on record, with the Dolores River projected at just 35% of average inflow.