Weekly Snowpack Report
January 22, 2026 -
Summary:
Snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed is 56% of normal for this time of year. According to Natural Resource Conservation Service, the watershed has set new historic daily minimums for snowpack every day since Tuesday, January 20. For example, the Independence Pass SNOTEL site, which historically measures 8.9” of snow water equivalent (SWE) on average for this date, is currently measuring 4.0” of SWE. Rivers throughout the watershed continue to flow below average (60-97% of normal). Stream flows are fluctuating throughout the day as persistent frigid air temperatures lock up water in anchor and surface ice. Looking for a way to protect our waterways? Join us on January 27 when Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides an update on Zebra Mussels on the Western Slope and informs water users how to help stop their spread. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events.
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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