Cucharas Reservoir, located in southeastern Colorado, was constructed in the 1970s for irrigation purposes with a capacity of 16,000 acre-feet. The reservoir is fed by several small creeks and surface runoff from the surrounding terrain. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack accumulation in the nearby mountains, which provides the majority of the reservoir's water supply. The reservoir serves as a water source for irrigation of agricultural lands in the region, as well as for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The surrounding area is also used for grazing livestock. In recent years, the reservoir has faced challenges with declining water levels due to drought and decreased snowpack, leading to increased concerns about its long-term viability as a water source for the area.