FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE
February 2, 2026
CONTACT:
Lindsay DeFrates, Public Information Officer – 970.456.8973; ldefrates@crwcd.org
Colorado River District to Host Twelve State of the River Meetings in West Slope Communities in 2026
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — 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.
With twelve meetings planned across the Western Slope, these events offer an opportunity to hear directly from water experts and will help residents 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. See the full schedule of events below.
While each program’s agenda will vary slightly and is tailored to reflect local water priorities, key topics at all events will include:
- River flow forecasts, snowpack, and drought summaries
- Updates on the Colorado River system and interstate negotiations
- Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project updates
- Local water projects and priorities
Unless marked otherwise, all State of the River meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and will end around 8:00 p.m.
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 take part in this important conversation.
Learn more and register here: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/2026-state-of-the-river-meetings/
2026 State of the River schedule:
- Upper Yampa River State of the River Meeting
- March 9, 2026
- Olympian Hall; Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Springs
- Partner organizations: Community Ag Alliance and Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District
- Lower Yampa River State of the River Meeting
- March 10, 2026
- Moffat County Fairgrounds, Craig
- Partner organization: Community Ag Alliance
- Lower Gunnison River State of the River Meeting
- March 16, 2026
- Montrose County Event Center, Montrose
- Partner organization: Gunnison Basin Roundtable
- Uncompahgre River State of the River Meeting
- March 17, 2026
- The Sherbino, Ridgway
- Partner organizations: Ouray County Water Users Association and Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership
- Grand Junction State of the River Meeting
- April 7, 2026
- Meyer Ballroom, CMU, Grand Junction
- Partner organization: Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
- Middle Colorado River State of the River Meeting
- April 9, 2026
- Morgridge Commons, Glenwood Springs
- Partner organization: Middle Colorado Watershed Council
- White River State of the River Meeting
- April 16, 2026
- The Fairfield Center, Meeker
- Partner organization: Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District
- Roaring Fork River State of the River Meeting
- April 23, 2026
- Dunaway Room, Pitkin County Library, Aspen
- Partner organization: Pitkin County Healthy Rivers
- Eagle River Valley State of the River Meeting
- May 6, 2026
- Colorado Mountain College, Edwards
- Partner organization: Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
- Upper Gunnison River State of the River Meeting
- May 13, 2026
- Fred Field Center, Gunnison
- Partner organization: Upper Gunnison River Conservancy District
- Blue River State of the River Meeting
- May 18, 2026
- Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne
- Partner organization: Blue River Watershed Group
- Upper Colorado River State of the River Meeting
- May 21, 2026
- Headwaters Center, Winter Park
- Partner organization: Grand County
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