Eagle River: Gypsum Creek to Colorado River

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

Historical modification of floodplains for residential and commercial uses has resulted in significant past filling, grading, and riparian deforestation in the Town of Gypsum limits. Floodplains and river channels further downstream of Gypsum as well as upstream in the CPW Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area exhibit meandering morphologies that are relatively unique to the basin, and appear relatively unimpaired by human land use activities. A recent wildfire burned a large cottonwood gallery below Gypsum in recent years. Recovery trajectories for riparian vegetation are uncertain but tentatively appear positive as of 2023.

Flows are somewhat altered on this reach by upstream water use and management. The frequency of peak flows equivalent to the natural 1-in-4 year flood declined by 33%. Peak flows during dry years declined 22% from natural historic conditions. Total annual flow volumes in dry years declined 22%. A trends analysis shows significant declines in late summer streamflows between 1996-2020.

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.

Report Card