McPhee Reservoir

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.

Spring brings more precipitation and warmer temps. Dolores River flows increase, McPhee Reservoir at 78% capacity. Be cautious with rising waters and check your flotation gear.

In southwest Colorado, rain and snowmelt are projected to fill McPhee Reservoir and result in a scheduled release of water, known as a “spill.” According to Ken Curtis, the general manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, the spill will likely occur in early May, and will benefit water users and irrigators along the Dolores River. CORRECTION: In our original audio, we incorrectly stated that there was a meeting open to the public hosted by the DWCD on this issue next week. The real date and time for the public meeting on the "spill" will be determined soon, and is not on Monday. And state lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to mitigate negative impacts of wolf reintroduction.

Last week’s winter storm brought snowpack levels up to 85% of the seasonal median in the Dolores River Basin and the storm this weekend could bring levels up to 100% of the median. And law enforcement has detected a “particularly deadly” batch of the synthetic opioid Fentanyl circulating in San Miguel county.