Gypsum Creek: USFS Boundary to Eagle River

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

Significant physical channel alteration, including bank armoring, straightening, and simplification, exists throughout the Town of Gypsum. Channel encroachment and high flow capacity reduction appears evident on many ranches and outlying suburbs due to flow losses at large ditches. Extensive encroachment on stream channels and floodplains also exists upstream of town due to past or present agricultural uses and recent residential development.

Seasonal or permanent barriers to aquatic organism passage exist at low flows at specific locations on the reach. Significant alteration to continuity, lateral extent, and structure or riparian communities exists due to town development and agricultural land uses. These changes significantly degrade stream and floodplain habitat.

Agricultural and municipal water uses alter the streamflow regime. High peak flow frequency has declined profoundly (~90%) compared to natural historic conditions. Peak flows during typical and dry years have declined by 37- 60%. Summer baseflows during Aug/Sep in average and dry years have declined by 50-80%. Total annual flow volumes in dry years have declined 37%.

Report Card