As of the beginning of July, the Roaring Fork Valley remains one of the regions experiencing the highest level of drought in Colorado. After a warm and dry winter, the region also saw a drier-than-average spring. Last week, the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s (RFC) weekly watershed report noted June 25 and 26 rain showers as “the first measurable precipitation in over a month.”
Drought presents community concerns. Among these are wildfire safety, as fires spark as near as south of Rifle, where the Dry Creek Fire spread on June 23 and grew to 316 acres before crews totalling 114 responders achieved 100% containment on June 25. Farmers and ranchers are confronting challenges in maintaining access to nutrients and water for their stock, and other rural areas face concerns with low wells in connection to the drought-depleted water table. Watershed organizations such as RFC are tracking river flow, which affects not only the ecosystem but many summer tourism businesses including fishing and rafting operations.
With summer monsoon pattern precipitation yet to arrive, 96.6% of Colorado was rated as experiencing drought according to the June 23 update of the National Integrated Drought Information System. Of that pervasive drought, 38% of the state is categorized as being in “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, the second highest and highest ratings, respectively. The Roaring Fork Watershed is in the center of the largest region of exceptional drought, which includes the entirety of Pitkin, Eagle and Lake Counties as well as nearly half of Garfield County.
The United States Drought Monitor defines risks of exceptional drought to include “exceptional and widespread crop and pasture losses” and “shortages of water in reservoirs, streams and wells creating water emergencies.” Monitoring by RFC indicates that the Roaring Fork Watershed is flowing between 12-28% of normal as of June 25. An average river flow is rated as 100%, so those measurements indicate that the majority of the watershed is at or below a quarter of average flow.
The RFC report noted that fire weather watches and red flag warnings were issued in the region for 18 consecutive days from June 6 to June 24. Typically, the Roaring Fork Valley is issued eight red flag warnings in a calendar year. The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings when a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong wind are forecasted in combination, which poses an increased risk of fire. Additional red flag warnings have been issued in the region since these reports last week.
In response to the exceptional drought and red flag conditions, Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions starting last Friday, June 26. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit outdoor fires, smoking (unless in an urban area free of flammable materials), fireworks, use of spark-producing devices like torches or welding tools and restrictions on off-road driving. Outdoor fire prohibitions include charcoal grills, pellet grills, wood-burning stoves and open-flame grills in addition to campfires on private property and public lands. While contained propane and gas stove and grill use is still allowed under Stage 2 restrictions, additional caution and a minimum 10-feet of distance from grass, leaves, pine needles and foliage is essential.
All three counties had implemented lower level Stage 1 fire restrictions in early June. Fire restrictions escalate to Stage 2 based on drought and wind levels as well as lack of precipitation in the forecast. As of Wednesday morning, July 1, rain was not forecast in the Roaring Fork Watershed within the next week.
Safety professionals recommend that people take steps to remove flammable debris from near their homes, including dead vegetation and lawn cuttings. While many lawns are brown due to drought conditions, property owners and residents can still mitigate wildfire risk by cutting the grass short. Professionals also recommend preparing go-bags and a home evacuation plan in case of fire. For go-bags, the recommendation is to have essentials including clothing, medical prescriptions, ID and important paperwork prepared to be able to stay away from the home for at least three days in case of emergency.