COLORADO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

As of the latest observations from December 2025, Colorado's dams and reservoirs exhibit a mix of above-average, average, and significantly below-average water storage levels and surface elevations. Notably, Trinidad Lake near Trinidad is maintaining storage slightly above its average level, with a surface elevation of 6187 feet compared to an average of 6182.44 feet. Conversely, John Martin Reservoir at Caddoa is facing a concerning reduction in water, with storage at just 29,852 acre-feet, a stark contrast to its average of 114,024.28 acre-feet. This variation indicates that while some reservoirs are holding steady, others are experiencing potentially critical conditions. These abnormalities may be attributed to factors such as snowpack variability, long-term drought, and increased demand on the Colorado River.

Trends across the data reveal that larger water bodies like Granby Reservoir are above their average storage levels (391,274 acre-feet against an average of 384,890.14 acre-feet), while smaller reservoirs like Paonia Reservoir are experiencing severe deficits, with current storage at 2,875 acre-feet compared to an average of 6,193.11 acre-feet. These discrepancies suggest localized impacts, possibly influenced by water management practices and regional climate effects, which are mentioned in sources discussing the Colorado River's negotiations and private company groundwater extractions. For instance, the Rifle Gap Reservoir near Rifle shows a significant drop in water level, standing at 2,710 acre-feet against an average of 8,295.05 acre-feet, likely affected by regional groundwater extractions and reduced inflows. Additionally, climate factors, as indicated by the missed greenhouse gas targets reported by the Kiowa County Press, may also be contributing to these abnormal reservoir conditions by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, which can exacerbate evaporation rates and affect snowpack melt.

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.