The seven Colorado River Basin states missed a key deadline to reach a new water usage agreement, and federal officials are now likely to impose a solution of their own.

Why it matters: The Colorado River is a vital source of municipal water for residents living along the Wasatch Front and beyond.

• Federal intervention could mean mandatory cuts.

Driving the news: As expected, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming failed to divvy up the available water by the Feb. 14 deadline.

Threat level: Lake Powell is forecast to reach its lowest elevation on record by March 2027, which would further constrain water releases downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, according to a Bureau of Reclamation report.

• The Glen Canyon Dam releases water from Lake Powell, providing water storage for municipal, agricultural and other uses, while also generating hydroelectric power for communities in the West.

What they're saying: "I'm very disappointed we don't have a deal, but it certainly wasn't because we didn't work our tails off to try to get there," Colorado River Authority of Utah commissioner Gene Shawcroft told Axios.

• He noted that the differences between the upper and lower basin states were significant enough to prevent them from moving forward.
• One of the sticking points, he said, was that they could not agree on how much water is released from Lake Powell to Lake Mead.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a statement last Friday, said "a solution is still within reach."

• "Utah is ready to make a deal. We will engage in good faith with partners who are committed to durable solutions, not soundbites," he said.
• He noted the state is prepared to "defend our interests if necessary," but prioritized collaboration.

Zoom out: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a statement saying the department would continue to "identify shared solutions and reduce litigation risk."

• Yes, but: Final operating guidelines must be in place for the start of the new water year on Oct. 1, and "the Department cannot delay action," the Interior statement read.

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As measles case counts rise, Utah health officials are warning of new possible exposure incidents across the state.

By the numbers: The state health department has confirmed 300 measles cases in Utah during the outbreaks that began in 2025.

• In the past three weeks, 58 have been reported to health officials, with 15 from Sunday to Tuesday of this week.

Case in point: Patients with measles were at Salt Lake's Highland High School all of last week and Intermountain Christian School the week before that, health officials announced Wednesday.

Threat level: The disease is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 of 10 people nearby will be infected if they're not vaccinated.

• Symptoms — fever, congestion, rashes or red, watery eyes — may take up to 21 days to develop.

Zoom out: Health officials are warning of possible exposure at these northern Utah locations, too.

• Memorial InstaCare in SLC, Feb. 9.
• Salt Lake International Airport, Jan. 31.
• Primary Children's Hospital emergency department, Jan. 28.
• Utah high school state wrestling championships at UVU on Feb. 13 and 14, and the 4A wrestling divisional at Mountain View High in Orem, Jan. 30 and 31.
• Vans Outlet in Lehi, Jan. 31.
• Windsor Elementary in Orem, Feb. 2.
• Stansbury High School, Feb. 9 and 10.

Zoom in: The spread has been particularly prolific in Washington County, with ongoing symptom watches recommended in connection to more than 25 possible exposures.

• Locations included the St. George airport, six health care facilities, two churches and three schools.

My thought bubble: I've seen misinformation circulating on social media community groups regarding safety protocols at clinics and hospitals.

• State health officials share the same recommendation as the University Health poster above: If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider before entering the facility.

Between the lines: If you may have been exposed and are at risk of infection, you could be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatments.

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🎟️ Arches National Park announced yesterday it will end timed vehicle reservations this year, despite previously describing the 2022-2025 experiment as "successful."

• Republican-led state agencies and GOP-aligned local officeholders have opposed reservation systems at national parks.
• After a closed-door meeting with park officials in December, Grand County Commissioner Trisha Hedin told the Moab Times "the overarching theme was … getting as many people in there as possible."

❄️ Several ski resorts, from Brighton to Snowbird, halted lifts early after yesterday's heavy snowfall raised safety concerns. (FOX 13)

• The SLC airport also closed temporarily.

🏛️ In a 7-3 vote yesterday, a state House committee advanced a bill that would bar undocumented immigrants from public benefits, including housing, food and tuition assistance. (KSL)

⚖️ Three federal judges heard oral arguments on a lawsuit filed by U.S. Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens, which seeks to overturn the state's new court-ordered congressional map creating a likely Democratic seat. (ABC 4)

There's a lot to do this weekend.

• Here are some of the hoe downs and hootenannies that look especially fun.

🐴 Lunar New Year: We're still ringing in the Year of the Horse, with lion dances, lanterns, games, calligraphy and tasty treats 7-9pm Saturday at Millcreek Common. Free

• Pregame at the Anderson-Foothill library with storytelling, crafts and a dragon parade 2-4:30pm the same day.

💥 Isekai Anime Con: Don your most elaborate cosplay and learn to voice act with the best tomorrow-Sunday at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Tickets

🏳️‍🌈 SLUG birthday party: Celebrate the magazine's 37th anniversary with 37 bands starting 8pm Saturday at Metro Music Hall. Tickets

👞 Salt City Stomp: Iron your zoot suit and pin your victory curls for a weekend of swing dancing competitions and workshops, tomorrow-Sunday at the Fairpark. Tickets

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