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.

May 29, 2025 - 

Summary: 

Runoff season is here and while flows across the Roaring Fork Watershed increased over the last week, rivers are flowing below average for this time of year (45-65% of normal). Transbasin diversion tunnels are flowing slightly above average for this time of year. These tunnels move water from the west slope to the east slope for municipal, industrial, and agricultural needs. Boustead Tunnel on the headwaters of the Fryingpan River is diverting 504 cfs (113% of normal) and the Twin Lakes Tunnel on the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River is diverting 270 cfs (103% of normal). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions intensified over the last week with the Crystal River headwaters now experiencing extreme drought (4 of 5 levels of intensity).

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