GUNNISON RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 17, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Gunnison River was last observed at 2,543 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 5,044 acre-ft of water today; about 110% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,318 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 1,090 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Gunnison River, with a gauge stage of 2.94 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.

Last Updated 2025-02-17
Discharge Volume 5,044 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,543.0 cfs
-44.0 cfs (-1.7%)
Percent of Normal 109.69%
Maximum 43,480.0 cfs
2017-05-26
Seasonal Avg 2,318 cfs

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
399 cfs 1.26 ft 1.79
Gunnison River Below Gunnison Tunnel
USGS 09128000
593 cfs 2.74 ft 0.68
Gunnison River At Delta
USGS 09144250
860 cfs 1.93 ft -0.92
Gunnison River Near Grand Junction
USGS 09152500
1090 cfs 2.94 ft -3.54
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).

       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the 3D Map


Weather Forecast