Basalt, Co., (December 18, 2025) – 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.
The Lower Fryingpan River runs 13 miles from the outflow of Ruedi Reservoir to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River in Basalt. World renowned for its gold medal fishery, the Fryingpan Valley draws thousands of visitors annually, significantly contributing to Colorado’s tourism economy. The continued ecological and economic benefits of a vibrant stream system are dependent on Ruedi Reservoir management that benefits local and downstream West Slope needs. In recent years, the Lower Fryingpan River has seen increased angling pressure as the Roaring Fork, Colorado, Crystal, and Eagle Rivers have all experienced temperature related closures in summer, pushing anglers further upstream to the Fryingpan. Additionally, lower snowpack and higher temperatures in the winter bring increased angling as a winter recreation alternative, enhancing year-round pressures on the resource. Maintaining minimum winter flows at 60-70cfs increases both recreational opportunities, ecological resiliency, and economic benefit. Using contract water held by the Town of Basalt and the Basalt Water Conservancy District in Ruedi Reservoir will have long and short term ecological and economic benefits to the local and regional communities, as well as Colorado’s environment, recreation, and tourism.
“These winter ecological flow releases are a smart, collaborative use of our contract water that protects the Fryingpan River when it’s most vulnerable,” said Basalt Town Manager, Gloria Kaasch-Buerger. “By maintaining healthier winter flows, we’re supporting aquatic life, sustaining our world-class fishery, and investing in the long-term environmental and economic vitality of our community and the region.”
Supplemental winter releases will increase the base flow in the Fryingpan River, minimizing anchor ice formation and facilitating recovery when ice does impact streams. This innovative program allows for contract water held in the Reservoir to be used in the winter for documented ecological benefits.
Since 1996, Roaring Fork Conservancy has inspired people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed. We bring people together to protect our rivers and work to keep water in local streams, monitor water quality, and preserve riparian habitat. Roaring Fork Conservancy is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information call (970) 927-1290 or visit www.roaringfork.org.
The Basalt Water Conservancy District was formed in 1964 to conserve, enhance, develop, and stabilize water supplies for its constituents in Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin counties. The District holds contracts for storage rights in Ruedi Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir as well as direct flow rights, which it uses to secure dependable water supplies for water users within the District’s boundaries. The District’s releases from Ruedi Reservoir under this partnership support the riparian ecosystem in the Fryingpan River basin and benefit public recreation. For more information visit https://bwcd.org/.
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