Wednesday, October 1, was the beginning of a new water year. The 12-month period from October to September marks the water year because the majority of precipitation we receive after October 1 accumulates as snow in the high country and does not run off until the following spring. Flows in local rivers decreased from a week ago and are flowing 27-81% of normal for this time of year. As a reminder, “average” flows will register at 100% of normal, meaning current stream flows are slightly to far below average. Releases from Ruedi Reservoir will decrease 35 cfs this afternoon, bringing flows on the lower Fryingpan River to 135 cfs. This decrease was requested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is typical for this time of year for continued management of the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River.