The commercial and voluntary closures on the Yampa River have been lifted as stream flows have moved into the low 90 cubic feet per second (cfs) area.
When the river dropped below the 85 cfs threshold earlier this week, the City of Steamboat Springs called for a portion of its leased water in the Stagecoach Reservoir to be released to enhance flows in the Yampa and increase hydropower production at the dam.
With the release, water levels moved above the 85 cfs level and the river has been reopened. The city anticipated flows to remain around this level and the river will remain open through the holiday weekend.
“While the city has a limited ability to call for water, this request should carry us through the holiday weekend while keeping the river in a healthy state,” said Kelly Romero-Heaney, Water Resources Manager. “It will be up to Mother Nature and other water managers in the valley what happens to stream flows when the city’s releases are exhausted.”
Following the holiday, the city will reevaluate the three indicators and determine if another closure is required. While a few showers and storms are predicted today, hot, dry weather remains in the forecast for next week. The next chance for any significant precipitation is Thursday.
Closure notices have been removed at popular river access points. The city would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and quick response when the river was closed a few days ago. Thank you for Respecting the Yampa and helping to protect the health of the river.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact:
Jenny Carey, Open Space & Trails Supervisor, 970.871.7014 or email
Craig Robinson, Parks, Open Space and Trails Manager, 970.871.7034 or email
Kelly Romero-Heaney, Water Resources Manager, 970.871.8205 or email