4 Handy Tools for Predicting Western Runoff
Spring can be a hit or miss prospect for fly fishing in the Rocky Mountain states. Here are a few good bets to help put the odds in your favor.
Sport Hawk | 5.5.2023
While fly fishing in the Rocky Mountain West is a year-round obsession, high water makes many destinations unfishable from about mid-spring to mid-summer. Understanding the impact of snow runoff on these streams is crucial to planning a successful trip. Snowmelt can drastically affect water flow, clarity, and temperature, all of which play a significant role in the behavior of fish.
As a result, tracking western runoff and river levels is essential for fly fishers to plan their precious days on the water. Here are four great resources for monitoring both the seasonal snowpack as well as real-time stream levels. By combining these tools with on-the-water observations, it’s easy to establish a baseline for fishable water levels and make informed decisions about when to head for the river and when to sit it out.
SNOTEL
The Natural Resources Conservation Service SNOTEL program monitors more than 730 “snow telemetry” stations to produce an interactive map of current as well as historical snow pack depth. The map is updated several times each day.
National Snow Analysis
NOAA’s National Snow Analysis is updated on a seasonal, bi-weekly, and daily basis. Data displays in a nifty time lapse animation for various regions.
US Geological Survey Streamflow Data
For the most current streamflow data, look to the USGS interactive map. Find the nearest gauge on your target stream and drill down into current levels before you head out the door.
Snoflo
Snoflo offers much of the same information as the government sites, but in a more attractive interface. There is precipitation and climate data tailored to multiple outdoor interests, from fishing to whitewater paddling. Snoflo offers a free version as well as a paid premium plan.
Photo | Ron Nichols, USDA