COLORADO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Colorado's reservoirs and dams play a critical role in water storage and management, but recent observations indicate a mix of above and below-average storage levels, hinting at the complex influence of climate conditions and water usage. Notably, the TELLER RESERVOIR near Stone City is missing current data, which raises concerns about monitoring. In contrast, TRINIDAD LAKE near Trinidad is slightly above its average surface elevation, possibly due to recent precipitation.

Abnormally low reservoir levels are reported at JOHN MARTIN RESERVOIR at Caddoa, with storage at less than a quarter of its average, and RIFLE GAP RESERVOIR near Rifle, which is significantly below average elevation and storage. These conditions may be attributed to reduced snowpack and river flows, as suggested by sources like The Colorado Sun and Maven's Notebook discussing water challenges in the region. On the flip side, GRANBY RESERVOIR and LEMON RESERVOIR are reporting higher than average storage, which may be due to strategic water management or unusual weather patterns. The disparity in reservoir conditions across the state highlights the variability of water sources and the potential impact of climate change on water availability.

As Colorado adopts new water protections, the state's reservoir management faces the complex challenge of balancing ecological needs with human usage. Recent reports by Dailyfly News and SkyHiNews.com emphasize the importance of strategic water agreements like the Shoshone pact to secure flow through Grand County, while the broader implications of reduced water levels in major water bodies such as Lake Mead are noted by MSN. The variable conditions of Colorado's reservoirs, with some like VALLECITO RESERVOIR and LAKE NIGHTHORSE experiencing higher storage levels possibly due to recent rainfall or snowmelt, contrast sharply against the critically low levels at PAONIA and RIFLE GAP RESERVOIR, potentially signaling the need for heightened water conservation measures and adaptive reservoir management in the face of changing climate conditions.

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.