Colorado Headwaters

Watershed Hydrology

The Colorado Headwaters Watershed (HUC 12080002) spans across an area of approximately 3,350 square miles in Colorado. The watershed is fed by snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains, which provides vital water resources for agriculture, recreation, and domestic use in the region. The watershed includes major tributaries of the Colorado River, including the Fraser, Blue, and Williams Fork Rivers. The snowpack in the watershed is a critical source of water for the area, with snowmelt accounting for up to 80% of stream flow during the summer months. However, recent trends in climate change have led to changes in the timing and amount of snowpack, which may impact water availability in the future. Surface water in the watershed is managed through a series of reservoirs, including the Williams Fork Reservoir and the Shadow Mountain Reservoir. These reservoirs also provide important recreational opportunities in the area, with fishing, boating, and hiking popular among visitors. Overall, the Colorado Headwaters Watershed plays a critical role in providing water resources for the region, and ongoing monitoring of hydrology, snowpack, and reservoir constituents is essential for ensuring sustainable management of these vital resources.


Surface Flows

Colorado Headwaters Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Colorado Headwaters Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Colorado Headwaters Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Colorado Headwaters Watershed

Colorado Headwaters Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed