McPhee Reservoir

Monsoon storms have improved short-term moisture in southwest Colorado, but McPhee Reservoir remains low and irrigators face major shortages heading into fall.

Extreme drought, limited irrigation water and rising production costs are reducing crop yields as Southwest Colorado enters harvest season.

Monsoon storms have improved surface moisture in southwest Colorado, but low streamflows, dry deeper soils and weak snowpack impacts remain.

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.

Evacuation orders remain in place as the Ferris, Far Draw and Doe Canyon fires burn in western Montezuma and Dolores counties. Additional fires are also active in southeastern Utah.

Because of an enforcement order issued by the state, the Town of Dove Creek soon will be getting its water from a new source. That decision has led to a price increase that made some town residents so angry that the Town Hall has closed because of threats to staff.

Municipal supplies are protected, but Dolores Water Conservancy District says full-service supplies out of McPhee Reservoir are at extreme shortages this year.

McPhee Reservoir’s main boat ramp opens April 15, with House Creek access starting May 1. Boaters are reminded about inspections and safety prep.

Cool, sunny weather continues across the Four Corners with chilly nights and a gradual warm-up midweek before weekend rain chances return.

The National Weather Service projects a brief La Niña this fall, with drought persisting across the Four Corners. McPhee Reservoir sits 16.5 feet lower than last year.