COLORADO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

In recent observations of Colorado's dams and reservoirs, there have been notable deviations from average storage levels, which could be indicators of abnormal conditions. Current data shows that the Teller Reservoir near Stone City is not reporting current levels, which warrants further investigation. Trinidad Lake near Trinidad is slightly above its average surface elevation, while John Martin Reservoir at Caddoa is below average. Wolford Mountain Reservoir near Kremmling, Rifle Gap Reservoir near Rifle, Vega Reservoir near Collbran, and others like Taylor Park, Silver Jack, Crawford, and Paonia reservoirs are all reporting lowered surface elevations or storage levels compared to their respective averages. Notably, Dillon Reservoir and John Martin Reservoir at Caddoa have also shown significant decreases in storage capacity. Conversely, Granby Reservoir and Lemon Reservoir near Durango show storage levels above average, potentially due to regional differences in precipitation or water management strategies.

The variances in water levels could be related to a complex interplay of factors such as recent weather patterns, including storminess and precipitation levels, as well as long-term impacts of climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. For instance, lower levels in many reservoirs may reflect insufficient snowpack or decreased river flows, which are essential for replenishing these water bodies. On the other hand, higher-than-average storage in reservoirs like Granby could be due to proactive water retention efforts or unexpected increases in precipitation. It's also critical to consider human-related factors such as local water management decisions and the influence of agricultural practices in the Gunnison area. Furthermore, as the Supreme Court reviews water rights disputes and with the backdrop of drought response challenges in neighboring states, Colorado's water resource management faces a period of significant scrutiny and potential readjustment. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive water management strategies to address the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of water resource availability in Colorado.

Colorado has over 2,000 reservoirs, with the largest and most notable being Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is fed by the Gunnison River, and Lake Granby, which is fed by the Colorado River. Other major reservoirs include Dillon, Horsetooth, and Pueblo Reservoirs. These reservoirs provide water for irrigation, municipal use, and recreation. The water in these reservoirs primarily comes from snowmelt in the surrounding mountains, with the Colorado River and its tributaries being the largest source. The snowpack is closely monitored, as it is a key factor in determining the water supply for the year. The hydrology of the area is complex due to the high elevation and arid climate, with many streams and rivers running dry during drought conditions. Record levels have been seen in recent years due to heavy snowpack and precipitation, but drought conditions are a recurring issue in the state. Seasonal trends include higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, followed by a gradual decrease throughout the summer and fall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in water management in Colorado, with the state relying heavily on these sources for its water supply.

Colorado has over 2,000 reservoirs, with the largest and most notable being Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is fed by the Gunnison River, and Lake Granby, which is fed by the Colorado River. Other major reservoirs include Dillon, Horsetooth, and Pueblo Reservoirs. These reservoirs provide water for irrigation, municipal use, and recreation.

The water in these reservoirs primarily comes from snowmelt in the surrounding mountains, with the Colorado River and its tributaries being the largest source. The snowpack is closely monitored, as it is a key factor in determining the water supply for the year. The hydrology of the area is complex due to the high elevation and arid climate, with many streams and rivers running dry during drought conditions.

Record levels have been seen in recent years due to heavy snowpack and precipitation, but drought conditions are a recurring issue in the state. Seasonal trends include higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, followed by a gradual decrease throughout the summer and fall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in water management in Colorado, with the state relying heavily on these sources for its water supply.