9461

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9461
• Author: Colorado Riparian Association.
• Title: Colorado Guide
• USFW Year: 2001.
• USFW - Doc Type: Stream Corridor.
• Copyright Material: NO

WATERSHEDS, GEOLOGY, and CLIMATE
Stream channels are formed by the flow of water and the
load of sediment carried by the stream. The amount of
water and sediment moving through a watershed depends
on climate, topography, and geology.
Climate Determines
• Amount of precipitation and the timing of runoff
• Rate of evaporation
• Types of vegetation
• Rate of groundwater recharge
• Rate of erosion
Topography Determines
• Distribution of precipitation
• Rate of runoff
• Direction of flow
• Climate, as related to elevation
Geology Determines
• Potential for sediment production
• Stream bank material
• Permeability and porosity of soil
T
_?. L
Average annual precipitation in Colorado ranges
from 7 to more than 40 inches. Precipitation usually
increases with elevation, although eastern slopes of
the Continental Divide are in the rain shadow of the
wetter mountains to their west. Intermountain open
valleys (parks) may be unusually dry because
surrounding mountains partially block moist air from all directions. For example, the driest part of
Colorado is the San Luis Valley. On the map above, red areas are driest and blue and purple areas are
wettest.
Colorado's continental location, elevation, and topography all influence the amount and timing of
precipitation in the state.
5 major U.S. rivers originate in Colorado.
The Continental Divide determines the direction of flow and the ultimate destination of these waters,
i.e., the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans.
of Colorado
5
Average Annual Precinitation