GUNNISON RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 4,953 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,497.0 cfs
+98.0 cfs (+4.09%)
Percent of Normal 94.04%
Maximum 43,480.0 cfs
2017-05-26
Seasonal Avg 2,655 cfs

Total streamflow across the Gunnison River was last observed at 2,497 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 4,953 acre-ft of water today; about 94% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,655 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2017-05-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at 43,480 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Gunnison River Near Grand Junction reporting a streamflow rate of 1,100 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Gunnison River, with a gauge stage of 2.99 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Gunnison River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 7,670 ft, the Gunnison River Near Gunnison.

The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River that flows through western Colorado. It is approximately 180 miles long and has a drainage basin of over 7,000 square miles. The river was historically used by Native American tribes for fishing and hunting, and later by European explorers and settlers for transportation and irrigation. The hydrology of the river has been altered by several dams and reservoirs, including the largest, the Blue Mesa Reservoir. These dams and reservoirs provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Gunnison River is also a popular recreational destination, with activities such as fishing, rafting, and kayaking. The river's ecosystem is vital to the region's agricultural industry and supports a variety of wildlife.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Gunnison River Near Gunnison
USGS 09114500
320 cfs 1.14 ft -2.07
Gunnison River Below Gunnison Tunnel
USGS 09128000
402 cfs 2.1 ft 1.72
Gunnison River At Delta
USGS 09144250
666 cfs 1.67 ft 10.93
Gunnison River Near Grand Junction
USGS 09152500
1100 cfs 2.99 ft 2.75
History of the River

The Gunnison River is a tributary of the Colorado River, 164 miles (264 km) long, in the Southwestern state of Colorado. It is the largest tributary of the Colorado River in Colorado, with a mean flow of 2,570 cu ft/s (73 m3/s).

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Watershed River Levels

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Cubic Feet Per Second

7

Cubic Feet Per Second

6

Cubic Feet Per Second

11

Cubic Feet Per Second