EAGLE COUNTY — Area water managers recently got an unpleasant surprise: Local streams are running lower than first thought.

The U.S. Geological Survey has streamflow-measurement stations up and down the valley. Those stations need to be adjusted for accuracy from time to time. This year, those adjustments — especially on the Eagle River in Avon — brought news no one wanted to hear, especially since we remain in a severe drought despite decent rainfall in July and August. Streamflow measurements at that spot were significantly lower than first thought.

In a valley that depends mostly on streams for its water supply, less water in streams and creeks is bad news.

But, Brooks said, fish populations seem to be holding up fairly well.

“There’s been a real community effort about spreading knowledge,” said Joe Halovanic, of Minturn Anglers.

Minturn Anglers co-owner Alex Rachowicz agreed, adding that he and other outfitters have been careful to fish almost exclusively in the mornings for most of the summer. After about 11 a.m., stream temperatures hit 65 degrees and it’s simply too warm to fish responsibly, he said.

Brooks said the cold months can be as hard on fish as a hot summer, if not more so.

“If the flows are really low, some of the fish might not survive,” Brooks said.