Weekly Snowpack Report
March 12, 2026 -
Summary:
Last Friday’s snowstorm bumped SWE at most local SNOTEL sites, but snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed remains well below average at 66% of normal for this time of year. According to the Colorado Climate Center, Colorado recorded its warmest winter (December-February) in 131 years! As a result, statewide snow cover for early March is the lowest on record dating back to 2001, per the National Snow and Ice Data Center. A reminder for anglers: March 15 begins the seasonal spawning closure on tributaries of the lower Roaring Fork River and middle Colorado River, as administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Additional information can be found at https://cpw.state.co.us/.
Calling All River Users to Protect Waterways from New Threats
It is time for every water user to take seriously their role in being a river steward. After you fish, boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY all your gear. Every time. Yes, really, every time.
Winter Ecological Flow Releases to begin December 22
Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) has partnered with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, Town of Basalt, Basalt Water Conservancy District, and Colorado Water Conservation Board to increase winter flows on the lower Fryingpan River to minimize formation and mitigate impacts of anchor ice, a supercooled ice that forms on the bottom of streams, on aquatic life.
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