River levels in the Roaring Fork River are expected to increase this week as water diversions to Twin Lakes Reservoir are halted. According to Twin Lakes Canal Company General Manager Bruce Hughes the reservoir has filled to capacity.
“The 625 CFS that is normally diverted to Twin Lakes is being sent down the Roaring Fork adding to its already peak runoff flow for at least two to three weeks,” Hughes said. This isn’t something we need to do every year but it’s the third year in a row that we’ve had to do it.”
As flows reach the vicinity of 1,000 CFS in the upper Roaring Fork this week, some natural flooding on the North Star Nature Preserve east of Aspen could occur.
“We just want recreationalists and property owners along the river to be aware that there could be an increase in the river level as the diversions to Twin Lakes are discontinued,” said Pitkin County Emergency Manager, Valerie MacDonald. “Our Incident Management Team is keeping an eye on the weather and river levels and will alert the public if we anticipate any significant flooding,” MacDonald said.
Downvalley, the Frying Pan River levels have dropped as releases from Ruedi Reservoir into the Frying Pan have been decreased from 625 CFS to 265 CFS.
“That’s fortuitous timing for Basalt where the Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork meet,” MacDonald said. “It reduces the chances for flooding at that confluence.”
Ruedi Reservoir is currently 80% full. Additional releases into the Fryingpan this runoff season are not anticipated.
The public is encouraged to sign up for Pitkin Alert at www.pitkinalert.org to receive emergent updates. Roaring Fork Watershed stream flow reports can be found at www.roaringfork.org. Information about flood preparedness can be found at www.pitkinemergency.org. Officials are also asking residents and visitors to take caution around rivers and streams during peak runoff.
CONTACT: Valerie MacDonald: 970-920-5234