The Rivers have peaked! Colorado River mainstem in Glenwood Springs below the Roaring Fork River peaked on June 12 at 9,920 cfs. Since then streamflow has been decreasing.
Turbidity in the Colorado River from March 1, 2022, through June 21, 2022, from the USGS stream gage site on the Colorado River just below the confluence with the Roaring Fork River in Glenwood Springs, CO.
Post-fire turbidity decreases in the Colorado River in second year after the Grizzly Creek Fire
Turbidity decreased in the Colorado River below the Grizzly Creek burn scar since the spikes in April and May. Turbidity is a measurement of particles (dissolved and suspended) and generally communicates how much sediment and other particles are being carried by the water. So far this year, the turbidity has mostly been below 50 FNU. Following the completion of CDOT’s major work in the river in April, turbidity spiked as the river water ran through the work area and picked up sediment to carry downstream. Following the April spike, spring runoff began, bringing with it – as usual – elevated turbidity levels.
In our pre-fire system, the Colorado River would experience higher turbidity as the snow melted and picked up particles while flowing downstream to the river.
Burn scars generally makes sediment and debris more mobile during snowmelt and rain events – which we may be experiencing already this year.
Monsoon season already causing Glenwood Canyon closures
Monsoon season is upon us. The 90-day forecast currently indicates we will see warmer temperatures and normal precipitation. Last week the National Weather Service (NWS) presented to the Grizzly Creek Post Fire Technical Advisory Team about the upcoming monsoon season. The NWS is predicting precipitation in the short term with a return to dry conditions in the late summer and early fall.
Save the Dates!
Wild and Scenic Film Fest
2022 Grizzly Creek Hike
On June 4, guest speakers shared their agencies' experiences with locals and visitors about the impacts of the Grizzly Creek fire and the post-fire debris flows. Speakers included CDOT's Andrew Knapp, USFS Hydrologist Justin Anderson, Christina Pearson from SGM Engineering, and Matt Langhorst, the City of Glenwood's Public Works Director. The hikers heard stories of infrastructure impacts to Interstate 70 throughout the canyon; how the fire, runoff and monsoons affected the Forest Service lands in the Canyon; how fire impacts water quality; and tales of the City of Glenwood's water plant employees servicing Glenwood with two major events disrupting their water supply from Grizzly and No Name creeks.
Silt Boat Ramp Parking and Access Expansion Completed
Working with River Restoration and RB Civil Engineering, the Town of Silt completed the expansion and paving of the Silt Boat Ramp parking area and access to the boat ramp. Rafters, anglers and paddlers will now have easier access to getting into the river at the boat ramp with better temporary parking and two-way entrance to the boat access area. The parking lot has been doubled in size so that boaters and park visitors will no longer have to park on the road when enjoying the recreation area.
Job Opening
at the River Stop in Rifle
Help MCWC's Watershed Specialist manage River Stop operations and weekend volunteers. The River Stop Information Specialist will participate in setting up best practices for operating a natural resources visitor center; work with volunteers and methods for successfully engaging drop-in visitors; and assist with print and digital marketing campaigns for event promotion. Must be 18 or older. Position starts as soon as possible and finishes at the end of September. Click here for job description. Email resume and cover letter to admin@midcowatershed.org
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On June 4, guest speakers shared their agencies' experiences with locals and visitors about the impacts of the Grizzly Creek fire and the post-fire debris flows. Speakers included CDOT's Andrew Knapp, USFS Hydrologist Justin Anderson, Christina Pearson from SGM Engineering, and Matt Langhorst, the City of Glenwood's Public Works Director. The hikers heard stories of infrastructure impacts to Interstate 70 throughout the canyon; how the fire, runoff and monsoons affected the Forest Service lands in the Canyon; how fire impacts water quality; and tales of the City of Glenwood's water plant employees servicing Glenwood with two major events disrupting their water supply from Grizzly and No Name creeks.
