Lower Eagle 3: Brush Creek to Gypsum Creek

Current and Historical Drivers of Degradation

Significant alterations to riparian areas and floodplain structure exists throughout this reach, largely due to I-70 and agricultural land uses that resulted in filling, grading, or past and current riparian deforestation.

Flows are altered on this reach by upstream water use and management. The frequency of peak flows equivalent to the natural 1-in-4 year flood have declined by 33% compared to natural historic conditions. Peak flows during dry years have declined 22%. Total flow volumes during dry years have decreased 22%.

Nutrients are an emerging water quality concern. Ambient nutrient concentrations do not exceed regulatory standards for water quality but regularly exceed 50% of the standard value. Statewide nutrient standards are not currently applied here however.

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

Report Card