Upper Eagle 2: Cross Creek to Gore Creek

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

Sensitive fish taxa are largely absent due to water quality impacts from the Eagle Mine. Ambient dissolved metals concentrations seasonally exceed relevant water quality standards, resulting in a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) listing and only partial/seasonal attainment of standards–standards which are already relaxed/loosened from regional standards. The growth and development of juvenile trout is impacted by metals.

Flows are altered by upstream TMDs and reservoirs. The frequency of the natural 1-in-4 year peak flood flow has declined significantly compared to the natural historic condition due to water use and management. Peak flow magnitudes during typical and dry years have declined 24-30% respectively. Total annual flow volumes in dry years declined 32%.

Development in Minturn has resulted in significant alteration to riparian conditions, hardening or armoring of stream banks and riparian areas, disturbances to sediment transport continuity and lateral floodplain extent, and alteration of physical habitat structure in the stream channel.

Report Card