Washington gulch watershed

WASHINGTON GULCH

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Washington Gulch runs through Crested Butte Colorado and drains approximately 14.5 square miles on the west side of Gothic Mountain into the Slate River.

During the finalization of the Upper Slate River (USR) Watershed Plan, Stakeholders identified human and pet waste (nonpoint source pollution) as a pressing concern.

In response to stakeholder concerns, CCWC initiated several studies from 2018-2020 to assess E. coli concentrations in the Slate River Watershed, including Washington Gulch. The initial results suggest that some portion of the mainstem of Washington Gulch is impaired for E. coli.

In response, in 2020 CCWC partnered with the Town of Crested Butte, the US Forest Service, and the National Forest Foundation to install a permanent structure, with two vault toilets, in the Washington Gulch Watershed about 1.6 miles past the Long Lake Trailhead.

Based on pumping records from portable toilets at nearby sites, CCWC expects the new permanent toilets to intercept about 800 pounds of human waste each year. By capturing this waste in an appropriate facility, the project protects watershed health, water quality, and improves the recreational experience.

CCWC is currently working on a Washington Gulch (WG) Watershed Plan as an addendum to the USR Watershed Plan. It is expected to be completed in early 2021.

Select documents and data

2019 project memo

View the 2019 Slate River Integrated Monitoring Project Memo.

COMING SOON!
Washington gulch watershed plan

The WG Watershed Plan is expected to be completed in early 2021.

Backcountry waste management

Read the November 2020 Article by Crested Butte News on the Washington Gulch Toilet Installation.

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