Join the conversation at your local meeting!
The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users.
Eleven meetings are planned across the Western Slope; see the list below. These events offer an opportunity to hear directly from water experts and better understand the factors shaping the future of our rivers. A complimentary light dinner will be provided, and all events include a Q&A session to address your questions and concerns.
While each program is tailored to reflect local water priorities, key topics at all events will include:
- River flow forecasts
- Updates on the Colorado River system
- Local water projects and priorities
- Current challenges facing Western Colorado water users
- Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project updates
If there are specific local issues or projects you would like to see highlighted, please include that information in your registration.
Registration is required, but attendance and dinner are free. We encourage all community members—whether deeply involved in water issues or just beginning to engage—to join us and participate in this important conversation.
Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of water in Western Colorado.
Click each event below to register!
Agendas will be posted for each meeting once they are finalized.
6-8 p.m. Montrose County Event Center, Montrose
Presented in partnership with the Gunnison Basin Roundtable
AGENDA (subject to change)
6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:25 p.m. Programming begins
𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 – Bob Hurford, Division 4 Engineer
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 – Rebecca Mitchell, Colorado River Commissioner
𝐀 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Colorado River District Staff
𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 – Wendell Koontz, Delta County Commissioner and Basin Roundtable Chair
𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 – Jake Hartter, Stewardship Director for Western Slope Conservation Center
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 – Hannah Holm, Associate Director for Policy, American Rivers
𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐐&𝐀
8:15 p.m. Program ends
6-8 p.m. Sherbino Theater, Ridgway
Presented in partnership with Ouray County Water Users Association and Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership
Agenda (subject to change)
6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:25 p.m. Programming begins
- 5 min. Introduction
- 20 min. Snowpack and river forecasts – Bob Hurford, Division 4 Engineer
- 20 min. West Slope Water – Andy Mueller, Colorado River District General Manager
- 5 min. Community Funding Partnership video Accelerator Grant
- 10 min. Ouray County Water Users Association update – Staff TBA
- 15 min. Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership update – Staff TBA
- 10 min. Local Project TBA
- 10 min. Q&A
6-8 p.m. Steamboat Springs Community Center
Presented in partnership with Community Agriculture Alliance and the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District
6-8 p.m. Moffat County Fairgrounds, Craig
Presented in partnership with Community Agriculture Alliance
6-8 p.m. The Gathering Place (Old Ace High), Rangely
Presented in partnership with Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District
6-8 p.m. Third Street Center, Carbondale
Presented in partnership with The Roaring Fork Conservancy
6-8 p.m. Fred Fields Center, Gunnison
Presented in partnership with Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District
6-8 p.m. Meyer Ballroom, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction
Presented in partnership with Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
6-8 p.m. Colorado Mountain College, Edwards
Presented in partnership with Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
6-8 p.m. Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne
Presented in partnership with Blue River Watershed Group