According to the most recent U.S, Drought Monitor report, the upper two thirds of the Arkansas river basin is drought free and the lower third is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The National Weather Service’s Three Month Outlook predicts above-normal temperatures and below average precipitation through September. PrecipitationThe Colorado Climate Center reports the following total precipitation amounts, in inches for the month of June in the Arkansas Basin (Ranges indicate variability across stations):
River FlowsSummary Over the past month, the Arkansas River has seen higher than average June flows recorded at most gauges within the basin. In some areas, the flow reached up to four times the normal rate for June. Due to high flows, there were flood warnings in several locations, including Cañon City and Salida. Authorities reported fast-flowing currents that posed a danger to river recreation. Flow rates have decreased in the past two weeks, but still remain above average rates for this time of year. June Flows Compared to Median* *30 year running average River Flow Snapshot (7/2/2024, 12:15pm)
July 1st-Upper Ark Voluntary Flow Management Program Begins! ln 1991, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Trout Unlimited and other users launched the Voluntary Flows Management Program (VFMP), From July 1st through August 15th, water is released at Twin Lakes Reservoir near Leadville, and recaptured in Pueblo Reservoir downstream near Pueblo. VFMP provides at least 700 cfs of water. The VFMP extends the recreational boating season by maintaining targeted river flows during this time. This program also manages flow to benefit the Arkansas River trout fishery, helping sustain the Upper Arkansas' gold medal status. The VFMP also helped the Upper Arkansas become the most boated whitewater river in the United States. Reservoir Storage*The Bureau of Reclamation considers a reservoir "full" when pool elevation is at the top of the active conservation pool. Percentage is therefore based on total reservoir volume below that level. June Storage Summary and Reservoir Allocations
Reservoir Storage Snapshot (7/2, 12:15pm)
Calling Water RightsThe Arkansas River Basin currently has 10 calling water rights, as well as 8 authorized diversions and one futile call. The CWCB/DWR reports four types of administrative Calls in on their “Active Calls” page:
The current calling rights are:
The authorized diversions are:
The Futile Call is:
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