Eagle River: Hollingsworth Ditch to Brush Creek

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

This section of the Eagle River flows through Red Canyon. Flows are altered on this reach by upstream water use and management. The frequency of years achieving bed sediment mobilization saw modest declines of up to 10%. The frequency of peak flows equivalent to the natural 1-in-4 year flood declined 44%. Total annual flow volumes in dry years have declined 26% from natural historic conditions.

Nutrients are an emerging minor water quality concern. Ambient nutrient concentrations do not exceed regulatory standards for water quality but regularly exceed 50% of the standard value.

Late summer water temperatures in this section of the Eagle River often approach or exceed WQCD and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) thresholds for impairment of aquatic life. Elevated water temperature conditions impact the sport fishery and opportunities for recreational angling. CPW regularly implements summer fishing closures on this reach. Temperature conditions may be a natural feature of the watershed, but may be exacerbated by flow alteration or other drives.

Report Card