Water Temperature Data

Water temperature in Colorado streams is assessed for both chronic and acute exposure in an attempt to protect aquatic life against adverse effects of elevated water temperature. The chronic temperature standard is assessed against a seven-day rolling average of the data, while the acute temperature standard is assessed against the daily maximum of the two-hour rolling average.

Northern Water collects real-time water temperature data at three locations on the Colorado River: downstream of Windy Gap Reservoir (CR-WGD), upstream of Hot Sulphur Springs (CR-HSU) and upstream of Williams Fork (CR-WFU). Real-time temperature data are collected at a 15-minute frequency and transmitted instantaneously. These data are processed and the seven-day and two-hour averages are calculated on a real-time basis to compare to the state standards. The seven-day and two-hour averages through the data link below. 

These data are provisional. Instances where there are data gaps in the provisional record may result in an inaccurate calculation of the chronic and acute standards.

More information on temperature standards assessment is available in the Section 303(d) Listing Methodology. Applicable standards for the Upper Colorado River basin can be found in Table Values of Regulation 33.