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
PRESENTATION MATERIALS
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 & 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 – Jake Hartter, Stewardship Director for Western Slope Conservation Center; 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
PRESENTATION MATERIALS
- Introduction
- Snowpack and river forecasts – Bob Hurford, Division 4 Engineer
- A Voice for West Slope Water – Andy Mueller, Colorado River District General Manager
- Community Funding Partnership video Accelerator Grant
- Ouray County Water Users Association update – Christine Collins
- Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership update – Tanya Ishikawa
- Q&A
6-8 p.m. Steamboat Springs Community Center – Thank you to our speakers, attendees and partner organizations!
Presented in partnership with Community Agriculture Alliance and the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District
PRESENTATION MATERIALS
Introduction – Colorado River District Staff, Yampa-White-Green CWCB Director, Mike Camblin
A Voice for West Slope Water – Amy Moyer, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Colorado River District
Runoff Forecast and Update on Measurement Rules – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer, Division of Water Resources
Nickell and Bear River Automation – Patrick Stanko, Ag. Resources Coordinator, Community Ag. Alliance
Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District Update – Holly Kirkpatrick, Public Information and External Affairs Manager
Yampa River Scorecard – Jenny Frithsen, Environmental Program Manager, Friends of the Yampa Friends of the Yampa
Audience Q&A
6-8 p.m. Moffat County Fairgrounds, Craig – THANK YOU to all our speakers, attendees and our partner organization!
Presented in partnership with Community Agriculture Alliance
PRESENTATION MATERIALS
Introduction – Colorado River District Staff, Yampa-White-Green CWCB Director
A Voice for West Slope Water – Amy Moyer, Colorado River District Director of Strategic Partnerships
Runoff Forecast and Update on Measurement Rules – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer, Division of Water Resources
Norvell Project – Patrick Stanko, Ag. Resources Coordinator, Community Ag. Alliance
Elkhead Reservoir Operations and Strategic Releases – Sam Calahan, Colorado River District
Friends of the Yampa Scorecard – Jenny Frithsen, Environmental Program Manager, Friends of the Yampa
Flour Mill Project – Ellie Miller, Trout Unlimited; Mike Camblin
Audience Q&A
6-8 p.m. The Gathering Place (Old Ace High), Rangely
Presented in partnership with Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District
AGENDA
A Voice for West Slope Water – Lindsay DeFrates, Colorado River District Deputy Director of Public Relations
Division of Water Resources
White River hydrology forecasts – Willie Summers
Division 6 measurement rules update – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer
Rio Blanco Conservancy Update – Al Vanden Brink, Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District General Manager
Water Supply Study Results and PL566 projects – Liz Chandler, WRIWI Watershed Coordinator
Funding for Water Projects – Greg Petersen, Colorado Ag Water Alliance
Yellow Jacket Water Conservancy District – Shawn Welder, Board Member
Audience Q&A
6-8 p.m. Third Street Center, Carbondale
Presented in partnership with The Roaring Fork Conservancy
PRESENTATION MATERIALS COMING SOON
6-8 p.m. Fred Fields Center, Gunnison
Presented in partnership with Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District
AGENDA:
Welcome and Introduction — Lindsay DeFrates, Deputy Director of Public Relations, Colorado River District
Hydrology and Measurement Rules — Bob Hurford, Division 4 Engineer
A Voice for West Slope Water — Andy Mueller, General Manager, Colorado River District
Upper Gunnison Update — Sonja Chavez, General Manager, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District
Funding Multi-benefit Agriculture Projects — Jesse Kruthraupt, Restoration Program Manager, Colorado Trout Unlimited
Audience Q&A
6-8 p.m. Meyer Ballroom, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction
Presented in partnership with Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
6-8 p.m. Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne
Presented in partnership with Blue River Watershed Group
6-8 p.m. Colorado Mountain College, Edwards
Presented in partnership with Eagle River Water and Sanitation District