COLORADO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Colorado's network of dams and reservoirs is a critical component of the state's water resource management, playing a pivotal role in flood control, irrigation, and municipal water supply. The most recent data reveals that some reservoirs are experiencing abnormal conditions for this time of year. Notably, Teller Reservoir near Stone City shows no current data, which could indicate a malfunction or reporting error. Trinidad Lake near Trinidad and Ridgway Reservoir near Ridgway are slightly above their average storage levels, while John Martin Reservoir at Caddoa, Rifle Gap Reservoir near Rifle, and Vega Reservoir near Collbran are notably below their average levels. These discrepancies could be related to recent weather patterns, including a significant multi-day snowstorm forecast, which may affect snowpack and river flows feeding into these systems. Conversely, Granby Reservoir and Lemon Reservoir near Durango are reporting higher than average storage levels, possibly due to local precipitation or management strategies.

Local weather extremes, such as the forecasted heavy snowfall, can substantially impact the state's reservoir storage and dam operations. Uranium discovery in a newly built dam, cited by The Prowers Journal, poses different challenges as it halts a $600 million project, reflecting the intricate balance of environmental management and water infrastructure development in Colorado. The recent federal rollback of water and wetland protections, as reported by Aspen Public Radio, further complicates the scenario, potentially affecting water quality and storage strategies in the future. Additionally, the state's proactive measures to address groundwater sustainability, as seen from the removal of Kaweah from the groundwater "naughty" list by Maven's Notebook, suggest ongoing efforts to balance resource utilization with conservation. It is essential to cross-reference these observations with continuous monitoring and expert analysis to better understand the implications of these abnormal conditions and to manage Colorado's water resources effectively.

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.