In more than 75 years, the section of the Blue River that flows in and out of Green Mountain Reservoir has not been this low, at this time of the year. It reached just 60 cubic feet per second, and underscores the severity of current water conditions. For context, the prior low record for this time of year was 85 cfs, according to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). This means current flows are well below levels identified as necessary to support river health.

Green Mountain Reservoir’s water rights are senior to the CWCB’s instream flow right and are not obligated to provide releases specifically for environmental purposes. Although flows in the river recently rebounded slightly, conditions are expected to worsen. Projections indicate another decline in water levels by late this week.

Further complicating the issue, irrigators, who hold senior priority over the Bureau of Reclamation water right at Green Mountain Reservoir, are likely to begin diversions earlier than usual this year due to abnormally warm temperatures, and low snow pack. This further reduces available water in the river. Together, these factors signal a troubling outlook for the Blue River, with potential adverse impacts to aquatic habitat, water quality, and overall river resilience as the season progresses. We will keep you posted.