© 2024
NPR for Northern Colorado
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Colorado Edition: Cool Off

Lily Tyson
/
KUNC

Today on Colorado Edition: The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission met last week to propose and debate flowline regulations. We get the latest on what came out of those hearings. Plus, we travel to Tucson to learn about the changing Santa Cruz River. We also explore the controversy surrounding Backcountry.com and get a lesson in high-altitude baking.

News Of The Day:

  • Winter Weather – The National Weather Service says we could see more than a foot of snow along the Front Range Monday evening. As a result, roads on Wednesday could be busier than expected. That’s because some drivers who expected to travel earlier in the week for the holiday could be delayed by the storm, according to AAA Colorado.

  • Denver International Airport - Tonight’s winter storm has also prompted some airlines at Denver International Airport to waive re-booking fees for flights schedule to leave the airport over the next day. Southwest Airlines, United and Delta are already offering the waivers as an option for some travelers. And DIA spokesperson Emily Williams says they’ll have amenity kits and blankets for travelers who end up spending the night at the airport.

  • Avalanche Conditions - The winter storm may have an impact on avalanche conditions in mountain communities. Early season snowfall in October, followed by more dry conditions through November have made for a weak snowpack foundation in backcountry areas. Brian Lazar, deputy director for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, says if you are planning on traveling in backcountry areas to not go alone, be prepared for worst case situations with appropriate gear and training, and most of all to check conditions before you go. 

The Latest On COGCC Rulemaking

Credit Courtesy of the COGCC
/
Courtesy of the COGCC
Jeff Robbins, Director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

Last week, the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission, or COGCC, met to propose and debate new flowline regulations. KUNC’s Matt Bloom attended last week’s hearings and brought us the latest news on what regulators decided.

The Santa Cruz River in Tucson

Credit Ariana Brocious / Arizona Public Media
/
Arizona Public Media
Since late June 2019, Tucson Water has been recharging treated wastewater into the dry channel of the Santa Cruz River, creating a riparian oasis.

It’s common to see streams dry up at certain times of year in the arid West. The causes vary, from depleted groundwater to heavy diversion for cities and farms. But just because the water has disappeared, it doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. From Arizona Public Media, Ariana Brocious has more on a newly revived stretch of the Santa Cruz River in Tucson. You can go deeper with Ariana’s story here.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced in partnership with Arizona Public Media, and with support from the Walton Family Foundation.

Backcountry.com Backlash

Credit Alan Szakwinski / Flickr - Creative Commons
/
Flickr - Creative Commons
Gold Creek Lake, Colorado.

Backcountry.com, the online retailer based in Utah, has been suing anyone who uses the word “backcountry,” including an e-bike company, an avalanche education clinic, and a denim company, among others. Now, after a huge backlash, the company is working to make amends, just in time for Black Friday. Jason Blevins, a writer for the Colorado Sun, originally broke the story and joins us with more. You can find more of Jason’s reporting here.

High Altitude Baking

Credit Lily Tyson / KUNC
/
KUNC

As Thanksgiving looms, you may be thinking about what treats you’ll make this week. But as you may have discovered, baking at higher altitudes is different than baking at sea level. To learn more about the science behind the differences, we traveled to Colorado State University to talk with experts on high-altitude baking. Find more conversions and other quick tips here.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:

  • “On Three Legs” by Textile Caramb
  • "Take a Tiny Train" by Ray Catcher
  • "Tar and Spackle" by Vacant Distillery 
  • "Lamplist" by Darby
  • "Horizon Liner" by The Pine Barrens

Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.

KUNC's Colorado Edition is a daily news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunesGoogle PlayStitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Stories written by KUNC newsroom staff.