The first glimpse of winter weather came through the Western Slope earlier this week. As a result, skiing is already open for the season in Colorado - Wolf Creek Ski Area, specifically! This precipitation temporarily increased stream flows across the Roaring Fork Watershed, which are currently flowing 69-122% of normal for this time of year. Snow water equivalent (SWE) is also being measured at all nine SNOTEL sites located within the watershed. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, releases from Ruedi Reservoir will decrease 50 cfs on Friday. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested this decrease, which is typical for this time of year, for the continued management of the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River. With Election Day right around the corner, learn more about where candidates stand on water issues by reading Roaring Fork Conservancy’s 2024 Voters’ Guide to Water Issues at www.roaringfork.org/.

Stream flow, diversion and reservoir data acquired from U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Colorado Division of Water Resources, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Roaring Fork Watershed stream gages: www.roaringfork.org/your-watershed/river-flow/

Colorado drought conditions: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu