Roaring Fork

Watershed Hydrology

The Roaring Fork Watershed (HUC 14010004) covers an area of approximately 1,945 square miles and is located in western Colorado. The watershed is primarily fed by snowmelt and contains many high altitude areas with specific snowpack. The Roaring Fork River is the main surface water source in the watershed, and there are several reservoirs along the river, including Ruedi Reservoir and Grizzly Reservoir. The water in these reservoirs is used for irrigation, municipal water supplies, and recreation. Interesting climatic facts include that the Roaring Fork Watershed experiences a semi-arid climate, with an average annual precipitation of around 18 inches. Trends in the watershed include an increasing demand for water supply due to population growth and climate changes leading to decreased snowpack and earlier snowmelt runoff. Conservation efforts and water management practices are being implemented to mitigate these impacts.


Surface Flows

Roaring Fork Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Roaring Fork Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Roaring Fork Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Roaring Fork Watershed

Roaring Fork Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed