Gunnison River below Gunnison Tunnel — Streamflow Note

Current Status (07/08/2026)

The Gunnison River is running at 396 ft³/s, currently 40% below the 5-year median and trending toward summer base flows. While discharge is up 32% month-over-month (seasonal recovery from early summer lows at 300 ft³/s), the river remains significantly constrained compared to historical norms — down 46% year-over-year and 18.5% versus last week.

Interpretation

The week-over-week decline (-18.5%) suggests recent snowmelt runoff has tapered. The month-over-month gain (+32%) reflects normal seasonal progression from spring base flows into early summer, but current levels remain well below the typical 5-year pattern for July. The sharp year-over-year drop (-46%) indicates 2025 flows at this date were substantially higher, possibly driven by heavier spring snowpack or later-season melt timing.

Context

At 40% below median, this is a moderately dry period for mid-summer. Monitor for continued weekly declines as summer advances and melt completess. If flows drop below 300 ft³/s or fall further behind the 5-year pattern, irrigation and recreation scheduling may need adjustment.