Uncompahgre River

Total streamflow across the Uncompahgre River was last observed at 74 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 146 acre-ft of water today; about 11% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 646 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 Near Ouray reporting a streamflow rate of 73.8 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Uncompahgre River At Colona with a gauge stage of 3.14 ft. 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 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.