08/10/2026
A note from Healthy Rivers and Streams.
An announcement from Ruedi Power and Water Authority:
The River District/CWCB Drought Response irrigation releases started Thursday, Aug. 6 from Ruedi Reservoir with 100 cfs added to help downstream irrigators in the Grand Valley. Two more 100 cfs increases were planned for Sunday, Aug. 9, and Monday, August 10.
On Sunday, the increase from the reservoir was split into two, with one increase of 50 cfs in the morning and a second of 50 cfs in the late afternoon.
The expected total releases in the Fryingpan River by Monday evening are 514 cfs. Flows in the Roaring Fork River on Monday evening could reach 700 cfs.
As a result of the additional releases, we should also see water temperatures drop in the Roaring Fork River which should create a better fish environment.
These changes are being made because the upstream substitution pool for the Colorado River Basin is nearing its completion. The Grand Valley irrigators have senior rights on the river, but have decreased their diversions to 1,450 cfs of the 1,950 cfs they typically take to help mitigate the impact of the drought for many of the Colorado River users in Colorado. The Ruedi releases will keep water flowing to the orchards and vineyards during this critical time of their growing season and peach harvest.
Let's keep our anglers and waders safe as these flows increase.
Please use whatever outreach opportunities you have to share this information.
If you have any questions regarding these releases please contact Paula Stepp, executive director, RWAPA at [email protected] or Brendon Langenhuizen at the Colorado River District at [email protected]
