Gore Creek: Black Gore to Vail WWTP

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

The section of Gore Creek above Vail is included on Colorado’s 303(d) list of impaired waterways due to degraded bug life. Water quality degradation manifests in low aquatic macroinvertebrate heath index scores. Expected sources of degradation include urbanstormwater runoff, riparian degradation, pesticide/herbicide application, and transportation infrastructure runoff.

Significant alteration of stream channels occurred during the past development of roads and commercial and residential areas along the creek. Extensive bank armoring, channel straightening, and habitat simplification exist along the Vail Golf Course and through Vail Village.

Significant alteration to continuity, lateral extent, and structure of riparian forest communities exists throughout due to town development, residential development, or the golf course. Water storage and operations of Black Lakes produce modest impacts to the flow regime. Peak flows in dry years have declined 21% relative to natural pre-development conditions.

A trends analysis shows significant declines in late summer streamflows between 1996-2020.

Report Card