UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 2, 2024
Last Updated 2024-11-02
Discharge Volume 2,334 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,176.5 cfs
-206.2 cfs (-14.91%)
Percent of Normal 136.36%
Maximum 5,613.0 cfs
2019-07-02
Seasonal Avg 863 cfs

Total streamflow across the Uncompahgre River was last observed at 1,177 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,334 acre-ft of water today; about 136% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 863 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-07-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at 5,613 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Uncompahgre River At Delta reporting a streamflow rate of 631 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Uncompahgre River, with a gauge stage of 4.29 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Uncompahgre River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 7,592 ft, the Uncompahgre River Near Ouray.

The Uncompahgre River is a 75-mile-long waterway in southwestern Colorado, originating in the San Juan Mountains and flowing into the Gunnison River. The river has a rich history, being used by Native American tribes and settlers for irrigation and transportation. Today, the river is used for both recreational and agricultural purposes. The Taylor Park Reservoir and the Ridgway Reservoir are two large reservoirs along the river that provide water for irrigation, as well as recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Additionally, there are several smaller dams along the river that help regulate water flow for agricultural use. The Uncompahgre River is an important resource for the region, providing water for crops and supporting a variety of wildlife habitats.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE

INTERACTIVE MAP

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Uncompahgre River Near Ouray
USGS 09146020
47 cfs 1.11 ft 2.19
Uncompahgre River Near Ridgway
USGS 09146200
71 cfs 2.04 ft -4.32
Uncompahgre River Below Ridgway Reservoir
USGS 09147025
208 cfs 2.4 ft 0
Uncompahgre River At Colona
USGS 09147500
220 cfs 4.28 ft -0.9
Uncompahgre River At Delta
USGS 09149500
631 cfs 4.29 ft -24.25
History of the River

The Uncompahgre River is a tributary of the Gunnison River, approximately 75 mi (121 km) long, in southwestern Colorado in the United States. Lake Como at 12,215 ft (3723m) in northern San Juan County, in the Uncompahgre National Forest in the northwestern San Juan Mountains is the headwaters of the river. It flows northwest past Ouray, Ridgway, Montrose, and Olathe and joins the Gunnison at Confluence Park in Delta.
The river forms Poughkeepsie Gulch and the Uncompahgre Gorge. The major tributaries are all creeks draining the northwest San Juan Mountains.
There are two dams on the Uncompahgre River, a small diversion dam in the Uncompahgre Gorge, and Ridgway Dam below the town of Ridgway which forms Ridgway Reservoir.
The river is used for irrigation in the Uncompahgre Valley. Additionally, water from the Gunnison is diverted to the valley via the Gunnison Tunnel. The Uncompahgre is unnavigable except at high water.
The name Uncompahgre ( (listen)) comes from the Ute word Uncompaghre, which loosely translates to "dirty water," "red lake," or "red water spring" and is likely a reference to the many hot springs in the vicinity of Ouray.

Hourly Forecast
Next 5 Days

Long Term Forecast
Next 16 Days

Streamflow Levels

71

Cubic Feet Per Second

208

Cubic Feet Per Second

26

Cubic Feet Per Second

23

Cubic Feet Per Second

5

Cubic Feet Per Second

4

Cubic Feet Per Second