LAS VEGAS (AP) — With drought continuing and reservoirs shrinking, seven Southwestern U.S. states that depend on the Colorado River had been expected to ink a crucial share-the-pain contingency plan by the end of 2018.

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona says it's one step closer to figuring out how to divvy up water cuts as the Colorado River supply becomes more limited.

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, Nev. (AP) — Authorities at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area say they have found an unoccupied jet ski with damage to the underside and are looking for the watercraft's operator.

Today marks the official change in seasons for Lake Mead and Red Rock. 

Certain trails and areas that have been closed for the summer months have reopened.

At Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Goldstrike Canyon and White Rock Canyon Trails will reopen.

Scientists from the Colorado River Research Group say water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell are dropping to dangerous levels, reflecting what they described as the Colorado River's worsening "structural deficit." 

Park rangers at Lake Mead had to rescue 17 people from the lake last weekend in a middle-of-the-night operation.

Rangers received a 911 call around 2 a.m. Sunday, and heard faint screams for help.