Resources
B. Goosman, South Arkansas Watershed Coalition
This assessment is a snapshot of ecological health of the South Arkansas River Watershed taken in 2013. This report primarily focuses on the 15-16 miles of the South Arkansas Ri ver, from the Excel Hydraulic Power Plant downstream to the rivers entry into the main Arkansas River, East of the City of Salida...
(2014, 152 pp)
USGS
In 2011, the USGS in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District (UAWCD) and Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) with input from Chaffee, Custer, and Fremont Counties; Buena Vista, Cañon City, Poncha Springs, and Salida; and Round Mountain Water and Sanitation District completed phase 1 of a 2 part study. The State of Colorado Water Plan and CWCB have recognized the need to address climate change and water resiliency by increasing storage. In lieu of expensive and controversial surface reservoir projects, the state is following Arizona and California in exploring the use of underground storage in aquifers.
(2014, 75 pp)
R. Hum
Summary scan of all water quality indicator reports for Upper Arkansas
(2018, 11 pp)
W. Urbanos
Grant report to CWQCD. Water quality discussion examining non-point source pollution within Chaffee County.
(2019, 3 pp)
Upper Arkansas Wildfire/Watershed Assessment: Prioritization of watershed-based risks to water supplies
B. Piehl, JW Associates
This watershed assessment is designed to identify and prioritize sixth-level watersheds based upon their hazards of generating flooding, debris flows and increased sediment yields following wildfires that could have impacts on water supplies. It is intended to expand upon current wildfire hazard reduction efforts by including water supply watersheds as a community value.
(2011, 136 pp)
C. Williams, Colorado Rural Water Association
The City of Salida's source water protection plan identifies a source water protection area, lists potential contaminant sources and outlines best management practices to implement to decrease risks to the water source. The City of Salida obtains its drinking water supply from the South Arkansas River via the Harrington Ditch, groundwater infiltration galleries in the South Arkansas River alluvium, and Pasquale Springs.
(2018, 55 pp)
D. Cronin, Colorado Public Radio's KRCC
(2017, web page)
C. Williams, K. Marquis, T. Flanagan, Z. Tucker, Report compiled and edited by Envision Chaffee County & Central Colorado Conservancy in collaboration with the Envision Forest Health Council.
Executive Summary; Community Engagement; Wildfire Risk and Treatment Prioritization; Community Preparedness; Current Status and Structural Ignitability in the WUI; Community Action Plan; Wildfire Survey Report; Community Survey; Wildfire Risk Assessment; Fuel Treatment Prioritization; WUI Communities.
(2020, 206 pp)
D. Lane & A. Ebbets, Stratus Consulting
The California Gulch Superfund Site (the “Site”) encompasses more than 15 square miles, including the town of Leadville, Colorado, and surrounding areas where historic mining activities took place... releases of hazardous substances from the Site have resulted in injuries to surface water, terrestrial, and groundwater resources, including injuries to brown trout and other aquatic and riparian resources in the upper Arkansas River...
(2010, 111 pp)
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Division of Natural Resources)
Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors
(2020, 19 pp)
Students of Colorado School of Mines, Boise State, and Imperial College
Since 2005, the Colorado School of Mines has offered a field geophysics course focused on understanding the Upper Arkansas River Valley in Chaffee County, Colorado. Students collect data in the field then return to the Mines campus to process and interpret the data...
(2010, 245 pp)
Round River Design & EcoMetrics
This study is a holistic stream health assessment of the South Arkansas River. It builds upon prior work by the South Arkansas Watershed Coalition to identify conservation and restoration potential on the 1.9 km reach through Salida from County Road 107 downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas. This reach is highly modified for past and current land and water uses...
(2020, 37 pp)
Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative & Chaffee County
The Decker Fire burned nearly 9,000 acres along the Sangre de Cristo Range's northern end, 2 miles south of Salida, CO, burning primarily on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Much of the fire burned in high elevation forests, 8,000-11,000 ft, including high and moderate burn severity in the most upper reaches of numerous small, high-gradient ephemeral or intermittent streams coming off Simmons Peak and Methodist Mountain.
(2021, 15 pp)
Envision Chaffee County
As more people move to Chaffee County and visit, everyone is discovering the stunning landscapes and fantastic recreation that significantly contribute to our quality of life. Even before the pandemic, recreation was growing at a record pace. The Chaffee Recreation Council worked with public land managers and the community to deliver this 5-year recreation management plan that is designed to maintain healthy public lands, the quality of outdoor experiences, and the economic benefits of recreation tourism....
(2021, 40 pp)
City of Salida, CO
Water quality reports provide a summary of these parameters and are generated annually based on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment reporting criteria.
(Annual, ~5 pp each)
Wright Water Ejngineers
This Master Plan is focused on the water resources of the Town of Buena Vista with a primary goal of identifying the number of SFEs the Town’s current water rights portfolio can legally and reliably supply and to provide recommendations as to how to manage and enhance the water resources portfolio to meet the Town’s short- and long-term planning projections and goals. This Master Plan provides information for infrastructure planning, but it is not intended to be used as detailed guidance for the water system infrastructure future capacity restrictions or maintenance requirements.
(2021, 53 pp)
G. Policky, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Summary of inventory activities from 2012-2015 field seasons. Fish population indices, stocking history, creel consensus and narrative of past, curent, and future management directions. Limited distribution.
(2015, 236 pp)
(2014, 176 pp)
(2013, 177 pp)
(2012, 243 pp)
R.E. Smith & L.M. Hill edited, USDI BLM, BoR, USFS, CDNR
The agencies that conducted this study and created this report are jointly responsible, subject to existing rights, for managing the Arkansas River corridor and its associated reservoirs between Leadville and Pueblo Reservoir. In 1993, these agencies signed a memorandum of understanding with the goal of creating a scientific foundation for river management processes. The outcome was a 6-year study ...
(2000, 414 pp)
Sustainability of Ground-Water Resources in the Upper Arkansas River Basin between Buena Vista and Salida, Colorado, 2000–2003
P. Edelmann contact, USDOI & USGS in cooperation with Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District
In June 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District (UAWCD), began a study of ground water in the upper Arkansas River Basin from Buena Vista to Salida, Colorado. One of the goals of the study was to evaluate the effects of increased ground-water use on ground-water sustainability...
(2006, 4 pp)
K. Watts, USGS
The 2003 USGS study (Watts) offers the first effort at quantifying the amount of groundwater available and the limits of water supply. It provides a baseline for quantifying urban development in terms of well density, the number of wells, and the 2003 rate of withdrawal and proposed withdrawal. The study measured water table levels 4-5 times per day per year in 92 wells across the alluvial/outwash aquifer.
(2005, 68 pp)
Colorado State University, Colorado Water Institute Special Report #4
Like other river basins in the semi-arid Western United States, pressures on the critical water resources of the Arkansas River Basin in Colorado are mounting. An extensive endeavor to monitor and describe major hydrological and water quality features of the basin is reported and discussed herein.
(2016, 122 pp)
Groundwater and Surface-Water Interaction and Potential for Underground Water Storage in the Buena Vista-Salida Basin, Chaffee County, Colorado.
Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District (UAWCD) and Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2014–5095
The State of Colorado Water Plan and CWCB have recognized the need to address climate change and water resiliency by increasing storage. In lieu of expensive and controversial surface reservoir projects, the state is following Arizona and California in exploring the use of underground storage in aquifers.
(2014, 74 pp)
D. Cronin
The Arkansas River supports economies in Colorado from Leadville to La Junta and beyond. With base industries including tourism and agriculture, southern Colorado depends on the river's yearly flows. But climate researchers expect declines in those flows over time, leaving the Arkansas River and its dependents at risk of facing a future with less water.
(2017. web page)
J. Lukas et al, UC Boulder
This report is a synthesis of climate science relevant for management and planning for Colorado’s water resources. It focuses on observed climate trends, climate modeling, and projections of temperature, precipitation, snowpack, and streamflow. Climate projections are reported for the mid-21st century because this time frame is the focus of adaptation strategies being developed by the State of Colorado and other water entities.
(2014, 8 pp)
Crouch et al, USGS
The objectives of this study were to determine on a reconnaissance level (1) the quantity, quality, and availability of both surface and ground water; and if possible (2) the potential for development of the ground-water system.
(1984, 130 pp)
Colorado Climate Change Vulnerability Study 2015
E. Gordon (UC Boudler) & D. Ojima (CSU)
Western Water Assessment, in collaboration with Colorado State University, conducted a broad study of climate vulnerability for the state of Colorado with assistance and guidance from CWCB. Drawing from existing data and peer-reviewed research, the study summarizes the key challenges facing seven sectors: ecosystems, water, agriculture, energy, transportation, outdoor recreation and tourism, and public health. It also details current adaptive capacity and potential strategies in those sectors to meet future climate challenges. Water begins on page 66.
(2015, 190 pp)
A. Ray et all (NOAA-UC Boulder)
A synthesis of climate change science important for Colorado’s water supply. It focuses on observed trends, modeling, and projections of temperature, precipitation, snowmelt, and runoff. Climate projections are reported out to the mid-21st century, because this is a relevant time frame for development of adaptation strategies...
(2008, 58 pp)
E. Richer et al, CPW, Technical Publication No. 49, 2017
The objectives of habitat restoration were to rehabilitate and enhance aquatic habitat for an 11-mile reach of the Upper Arkansas River (UAR) on public and private lands.
(2017, 242 pp)
Occurrence and distribution of dissolved solids, selenium, and uranium in groundwater and surface water in the Arkansas River Basin from the headwaters to Coolidge, Kansas, 1970-2009, L. Miller et al, USGS, Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5069 (2010, 73 pp)
Water-quality assessment of the Arkansas River basin, southeastern Colorado, 1990-93, R.F. Ortiz et all, USGS, Water-Resources Investigations Report 97-4111 (1998, 75 pp)
Water-quality data for the Arkansas River Basin, southeastern Colorado, 1990-93, R.G. Dash & R.F. Ortiz, USGS (1996, 142 pp)
Water-resources appraisal of the upper Arkansas River basin from Leadville to Pueblo, Colorado, T.M. Crouch et all, USGS (1984, 130 pp)
Methods to Identify Changes in Background Water-Quality Conditions Using Dissolved-Solids, R.F. Ortiz et all, USGS (2004, 24 p)
Simulated effects of water exchanges on streamflow and specific conductance in the Arkansas, M.E. Lewis, USGS (1999, 39 pp)
Relations of specific conductance to streamflow and selected water-quality characteristics of the Arkansas River basin, Colorado, D. Cain, USGS
Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE)
The Colorado 2022 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report summarizes water quality conditions in the State of Colorado. This Integrated Report (IR) satisfies the reporting requirements of the Clean Water Act Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314, hich requires all states to assess and report on the quality of all waters within their state every two years. This report summarizes the quality of Colorado’s waters from July, 2019, through June 30, 2021 (State Fiscal Year 2020–2021).
(2022, 550 pp)
Urban Land Institute
Search by location and read about flood, fire, and heat risk factors
(current, web site)
Colorado National Heritage Program, Colorado State University
Colorado Wetland Inventory Mapping Tool
Floristic Quality Assessment Calculator
Colorado National Heritage Program at Colorado State University
(current, GIS mapping tool)
D. Culver et all, CNHP, Colorado State University
The goal of the project was to systematically identify the locations of rare species and significant natural plant communities...
(2009, 469 pp)
Arkansas River Basin SNOTEL Snow/Precipitation Update Report
USDA, NRCS, National Water and Climate Center
(current, web site)
Colorado Department of Health and Environment
For a Water Quality Limited stream segment that requires a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the pollutant sources and allocate allowable loads to the contributing sources, both point and nonpoint, must be qualified so water quality standards can be attained for that segment.
P.A. Landahl
Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River Basin is home to a voluntary and collaborative water management program that aims to optimize river flows for white-water rafting in the summer and fish ecology in the spring and fall. ... This MS thesis submitted to the Colorado School of mines examines how the basin’s Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) currently functions and its prospects for the future.
(2021, 52 pp)
WEBINAR (~1 hour):
Wildfire and Watershed Management Planning
VIDEO (~5 min):
Water and Resource Monitoring Workshop
Colorado Water Conservation District and River Network
SMP/IWMP leaders and practitioners from around the State continue to collaborate to share their knowledge and build support systems for each other as they work through their planning processes. Below you will find links to recorded peer-calls and presentations/notes from peer-learning workshops. All upcoming peer-learning events are also listed, along with registration information.
(current, web site)
VIDEO (~4 min)
Removal of an outdated push-up dam restores critical habitat and makes one rancher's life a lot easier.
Colorado Water Conservation Board
In the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2013, The Colorado Water Conservation Board developed the Colorado Fluvial Hazard Zone Program to help communities better identify, map, and plan for the flood hazards associated with erosion, sediment deposition, and other dynamic river processes. This program is intended to be used both for high flow events resulting from rainfall and snowmelt and also for floods after wildfires.
The Flood Potential Portal is a map-based decision support system for enhancing the understanding of riverine flood hazards in the United States through use of the observational (streamgage) record. Mapping and cross section tools...
The overarching goal of this study is to develop for the million-acre Roaring Fork Watershed a science-based strategy for the protection and restoration of natural biodiversity and habitat connectivity on a landscape scale.
Protective land use overlay zone for riparian habitat and recharge zones
J. Norton & M. Preston, La Plata County & Montezuma County
(2022, 51 pp)
