Rivers throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed increased over last week’s all time lows and are currently flowing 43-84% of normal for this time of year. Rainfall totals over the last week varied significantly throughout the watershed and contributed to multiple mudslides. The Crystal River valley received the most dramatic rain totals in the last week, with ranges estimated from 0.13- 4.07 inches!  On Monday, September 14, the gage in the Crystal River in Redstone captured an intense storm and mudslide, when flows went from 53 cfs at 11am to 492 cfs by 4:45pm!  While all precipitation is welcome, it will take a lot of moisture to alleviate the prolonged drought. Slow, steady rain is best for saturating thirsty soils and vegetation, and minimizing mudslides. Releases from Ruedi Reservoir increased 50 cfs today and will increase an additional 50 cfs on Friday, which will bring flows in the lower Fryingpan River to 170 cfs. These releases were requested by the Grand Valley Irrigators who grow Palisade peaches, grapes, apples, vegetables and more. Their growing season continues until around November 1.