Encampment River

Total streamflow across the Encampment River was last observed at 415 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 823 acre-ft of water today; about 123% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 336 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-06-17 when daily discharge volume was observed at 6,040 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Encampment River At Mouth reporting a streamflow rate of 276 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Encampment River, with a gauge stage of 2.72 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Encampment River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 8,293 ft, the Encampment River Ab Hog Park Cr.

It was named by French fur trappers who used the area for winter camps. The river flows through a canyon and has a steep gradient, making it popular for kayaking and rafting. It is also used for irrigation of farmland in the area. The river is fed by several reservoirs and dams, including the Hog Park Reservoir, which was constructed in the 1950s for hydroelectric power generation. The Encampment River also flows through the Encampment River Wilderness, which was established in 1984 and covers over 15,000 acres. The wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and mountain lions.