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For more than 20 years, the federal government has been monitoring drought conditions nationwide. A new study shows that the system is not keeping up with climate change, especially in the Mountain West region.

Dendrochronologists found that high temperatures in the 21st century make the current drought unprecedented compared to other dry periods around the Colorado River across the past 500 years.

When it comes to the Colorado River, reining in demand is top of mind for water managers. KUNC’s Alex Hager just traveled to Las Vegas to hear from the people shaping the river’s future. He tells us more today on In The NoCo.

As years of drought and overpumping have reduced groundwater supplies across the West, officials and conservation groups in one part of our region are working to address the problem.

Colorado has had some early snowfall so far, but snowpack is below normal for this time of year and drought conditions are spreading across the state.

Researchers have found a way to predict whether or not a forest will survive based on drought conditions – information that can help forest managers deal with climate change.

New data from Climate Central shows fall temperatures have increased across the country by an average of 2.4 degrees, with even more dramatic rises in the West. Vast swaths of our region have seen jumps of 3.5 degrees or more.

New research shows that in much of the world, water supplies for drinking, bathing and farming are being threatened. That includes sections of the Mountain West.

The latest study from the Bureau of Reclamation shows how a wet winter in 2023 helped boost Lake Powell and Colorado River water supplies. But experts say more cuts to demand for the water supply are needed.

Cities throughout the Colorado River basin are looking to stretch out their existing water supplies in the face of climate change and steady demand. Some are turning to direct potable reuse, which treats wastewater until it's clean enough to drink.