Lower Eagle 2: Hollingsworth Ditch to Brush Creek

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

This section of the Eagle River flows through Red Canyon. Flows are altered on this reach by upstream water use and management. The frequency of years achieving bed sediment mobilization thresholds saw modest declines of up to 10% from natural historic conditions. The frequency of peak flows equivalent to the natural 1-in-4 year flood have declined 44%. Total annual flow volumes in dry years have declined 26% from natural historic conditions.

Nutrients are an emerging water quality concern in the lower Eagle region. Ambient nutrient concentrations do not exceed regulatory standards for water quality but regularly exceed 50% of the standard value., although the statewide standard is not currently applied here.

Late summer water temperatures in this section of the river often approach or exceed WQCD and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) thresholds for impairment of aquatic life. Elevated water temperature conditions impact the fishery and opportunities for recreational angling. CPW has regularly implemented summer fishing closures on the reach in recent years.

Report Card