Weekly Snowpack Report
December 24, 2025 -
Summary:
Snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed is 48% of normal for this time of year. According to Natural Resources Conservation Service data collected at nine local SNOTEL sites, snowpack hasn’t been this low on this date since 1999 and historically warm temperatures have occurred at high elevations over the last six days. As a result, drought conditions have worsened in the watershed - the U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting exceptional drought (highest level of intensity) in portions of Pitkin and Eagle counties. This is the only pocket of exceptional drought in the entire U.S. West! Amidst the gloomy conditions there is a silver lining: badly needed precipitation is in the forecast starting Christmas Day through Saturday. Let’s hope Santa delivers some moisture tomorrow! Happy Holidays!
Calling All River Users to Protect Waterways from New Threats
It is time for every water user to take seriously their role in being a river steward. After you fish, boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY all your gear. Every time. Yes, really, every time.
Winter Ecological Flow Releases to begin December 22
Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) has partnered with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, Town of Basalt, Basalt Water Conservancy District, and Colorado Water Conservation Board to increase winter flows on the lower Fryingpan River to minimize formation and mitigate impacts of anchor ice, a supercooled ice that forms on the bottom of streams, on aquatic life.
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