Water Temperatures Already Breaking Records

In April and May, RFC conducted baseline water quality monitoring across the Roaring Fork Watershed at 22 and 17 sites, respectively. The majority of these sites have 10+ years of baseline data with about a third having 20+ years of data.

Between the two months, 14 historic temperature maximums were exceeded. Generally speaking, this well-outpaces the normal rate of setting new maximums.

APRIL:

• Water temperatures in April were an average of 2.79℉ (1.55℃) greater than median.

MAY: 

• Water temperatures in May were an average of 5.78℉ (3.21℃) greater than median.
• At sites where water temperature exceeded max, temperatures were an average of 5.06℉ (2.81℃) greater than the existing max!

The data in the above table was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey gauge on 
the Roaring Fork River at Veltus Park in Glenwood Springs, CO.

Ruedi Reservoir Boat Ramp is Open

The Ruedi Reservoir Boat Ramp opened May 1 following extensive repairs to the ramp’s supporting infrastructure in April.

The U.S. Forest Service, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, and American Land and Leisure, the campground concessionaire, brought in a concrete contractor in April to lift and repair the Ruedi boat ramp where erosion had caused damage. During the summer season, the reservoir side of the ramp will be armored to protect the ramp from further erosion.

As in past years, all boaters are required to complete an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff before using the reservoir. These inspections help prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into Ruedi Reservoir.

Depending on reservoir levels through the summer, the 2026 hours for mandatory boat inspections at Ruedi Boat Ramp are: 

May 1 - June 26, 6am-8pm
June 27 - Sept. 7, 6am-10pm
Sept. 8 - Sept. 27, 6am-8pm
Sept. 28 - Oct. 11, 7am-7pm
Oct. 12 - Oct. 31, 7am-6pm

I have stepped down as development director at RFC to focus on family. It has been a privilege to work alongside the very best people in service of the Roaring Fork Watershed, and I leave deeply grateful for the memories and the invaluable education I received in the world of water. With gratitude, Sheryl

Have You Seen an Otter?

	Double your Impact with a Company Match By taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing phoebe@roaringfork.org.

Consider a Charitable Rollover Individuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income. Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers!

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