COLORADO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Colorado's network of dams and reservoirs is currently experiencing a range of storage levels, with some water bodies showing marked deviations from their average capacities, potentially reflective of broader environmental trends. The TELLER RESERVOIR NEAR STONE CITY has an unreported current level, last observed on December 22, 2025. In contrast, TRINIDAD LAKE NEAR TRINIDAD and RIDGWAY RESERVOIR NEAR RIDGWAY report slightly higher than average water surface elevations. At the same time, storage in the JOHN MARTIN RESERVOIR AT CADDOA is significantly lower than the average, which could indicate water use issues or an impact of lower river inflows.

Abnormal conditions in other key reservoirs include lower-than-average water levels in reservoirs such as the RIFLE GAP RESERVOIR NEAR RIFLE, VEGA RESERVOIR NEAR COLLBRAN, and PAONIA RESERVOIR NEAR BARDINE, likely linked to decreased snowpack and river flows, as reported by multiple sources. Furthermore, GRANBY RESERVOIR and PUEBLO RESERVOIR NEAR PUEBLO are holding more water than their average. These variations emphasize the ongoing water management challenges facing Colorado, especially in the context of recent reports highlighting the strain on the Colorado River and the urgent need for states to come to a long-term agreement. The situation is exacerbated by factors such as snow droughts and the broader trend of aridification in the region, underscoring the critical need for adaptive water management strategies to address the looming water supply crisis.

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.