ROARING FORK RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 1,580 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 796.6 cfs
-62.9 cfs (-7.32%)
Percent of Normal 92.95%
Maximum 15,516.7 cfs
2011-07-01
Seasonal Avg 857 cfs

Total streamflow across the Roaring Fork River was last observed at 797 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,580 acre-ft of water today; about 93% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 857 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-07-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 15,517 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Roaring Fork River At Glenwood Springs reporting a streamflow rate of 463 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Roaring Fork River Near Emma with a gauge stage of 5.11 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Roaring Fork River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 10,528 ft, the Roaring Fork River Ab Lost Man C.

The Roaring Fork River is a tributary of the Colorado River that flows through central Colorado. The river is approximately 70 miles long and begins at Independence Pass, a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains. The Roaring Fork River is known for its whitewater rafting and fly fishing opportunities. The river's hydrology is influenced by the melting snowpack from the surrounding mountains, and its flow can vary greatly depending on the season. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, with irrigation ditches diverting water for farming in the surrounding valleys. Several reservoirs and dams have been built along the river, including Ruedi Reservoir and the Grizzly Reservoir Dam. These structures help control the river's flow and provide water for downstream communities. Despite human intervention, the Roaring Fork River remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a vital resource for the surrounding communities.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Roaring Fork River Ab Lost Man C
USGS 09072550
0 cfs 1.44 ft None
Roaring Fork River Ab Difficult C Nr Aspen
USGS 09073300
8 cfs 1.46 ft -26.82
Roaring Fork River Near Aspen
USGS 09073400
19 cfs 0.62 ft -14.15
Roaring Fork River Near Emma
USGS 09081000
326 cfs 5.11 ft -14.53
Roaring Fork River At Glenwood Springs
USGS 09085000
463 cfs 1.75 ft -2.02
History of the River

Roaring Fork River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately 70 miles (110 km) long, in west central Colorado in the United States. The river drains a populated and economically vital area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley or Roaring Fork Watershed, which includes the resort city of Aspen and the resorts of Aspen/Snowmass.

It rises in the Sawatch Range in eastern Pitkin County, on the west side of Independence Pass on the continental divide. It flows northwest past Aspen, Woody Creek, and Snowmass. It receives the Fryingpan River at Basalt. 1.5 miles (2 km) below Carbondale, it receives the Crystal River from the south. It joins the Colorado in Glenwood Springs. The entire area that drains into the Roaring Fork River is known as the Roaring Fork Watershed. This area is 1,451 square miles (3,760 km2) and about the same size as the state of Rhode Island. The river flows through canyons along most of its route and is a popular destination for recreation whitewater rafting. The river supplies water through the Sawatch Range to the Twin Lakes Reservoir via the Twin Lakes Tunnel. Roaring Fork Conservancy is the watershed conservation organization for the Roaring Fork River and its tributaries.
The Roaring Fork is a swift, deep, powerful river with very clear water. It is navigable by small craft throughout most of its length to its confluence with the Colorado. The mean annual flow is 1,206 cu ft/s (34.2 m3/s).

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