With a higher than average snow pack in 2011, we are expecting high run-off in our rivers and streams. Just as we are renewed by the coming of spring weather, the rivers are recharged, maintained and renewed through high peak flows. This year’s peak spring flows could have a major effect on all life that lives along and in our rivers. There is a delicate balance between ecosystem health, human safety, and flood water influences on developed properties. Appropriate land use planning can alleviate some of these issues. A few examples include the Basalt Rivers Stewardship Master Plan, riparian setback ordinances, and other local municipal land use codes.

From an ecological standpoint, high spring flows are a part of the life of any free flowing mountain river system. Ironically, rivers need powerful high spring flows in order to scour the river corridor, similar to 'spring cleaning.'  High flows improve the habitat for fish and their food source. The State of the Roaring Fork Watershed Report lists many important non-consumptive uses of water in our rivers during periodic high flows:

• Maintenance or restoration of high quality habitat for fish and aquatic life
• Sufficient flows for channel and riparian area maintenance
• Flushing flows to remove sediment deposition that may smother spawning beds and habitat
• Groundwater recharge

High flows improve water quality and enhance habitat for native species. Craig Childs, in his book The Secret Knowledge of Water, says that "… floods come like compost heaps, thick with nutrients, not only recharging the surrounding soils but also banking away new ground water that flows beneath the creeks." Peak spring flows have also proven to help sustain native fish populations. Natural high flows are essential to the health and sustainability of our water table and rivers. More Info