Farmers and ranchers in the Roaring Fork Valley are coping with the effects of prolonged drought. Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) recognizes the value and complexities of local agriculture. To this end, RFC is partnering with several producers, Lotic Hydrological consulting, and Pitkin County Open Space to explore opportunities of enhancing the resilience of ranching operations in the Roaring Fork Valley in times of water shortage. The project team is interested in identifying means for mitigating against the impacts of drought on productivity in mid- to high-elevation grass pastures and hay fields—the dominant agricultural land use in the Roaring Fork Valley. The study will work to identify field-scale treatments that can be used to minimize (or eliminate) reductions in crop yields and forage quality that are expected in times of limited water supply.

April 17, 2025 - 

Summary: 

Warm, dry, and windy conditions over the last week caused significant snowpack reductions, increased stream flows, and worsening drought conditions in the Roaring Fork Watershed. Snowpack is currently 68% of normal for this time of year, a 20% decrease from a week ago! Over the last week SNOTEL sites in the watershed, on average, lost a third of their remaining SWE. The most substantial SWE decreases were measured at McClure Pass (6.5”), North Lost Trail (5.1”), and Nast Lake (5”). Local rivers are flowing 123-165% of normal for this time of year. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions increased in the Crystal River Valley and lower Roaring Fork watershed and are currently measuring moderate drought (2 out of 6 level of intensity). With runoff quickly approaching, help keep our rivers clean by volunteering for the 27th annual Watershed Cleanup. Details at www.roaringfork.org/events.

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