Snowpack is the snow that accumulates on the ground. When it melts as liquid water, it supplies much of the streamflow in streams and rivers, especially in a mountainous watershed like the Uncompahgre. Snowpack varies considerably over time and space according to local conditions like air temperature, relative humidity, wind, slope, and sun exposure. It … Read more
A reservoir manager needs to know when and how much water to release. A city manager needs to know how much water is available for new growth. An irrigator needs to know if sufficient water is available to open a ditch. A rafter would like to know if a certain river can be run. A … Read more
Prehistoric birds are nesting among us. Thanks to the flowing waters of the Uncompahgre River that feeds into the Gunnison River, the great blue heron lives year-round in Ouray County. How would this species be affected if stream flows changed or water resources were depleted? A great blue heron on the Uncompahgre River at the … Read more
