Despite record-low winter precipitation and ongoing drought conditions, Boulder Reservoir is expected to maintain normal water levels throughout the summer, according to reservoir manager Stacy Cole.
“Our levels will be normal all summer,” Cole said.
The outlook contrasts with nearby Union Reservoir, which recently announced its swim beach will be limited to wading this season because of low water levels. Cole said Boulder Reservoir could see an increase in visitors as a result.
In addition to recreation, Boulder Reservoir supports irrigation for farmers in unincorporated Boulder County and provides water to Erie and Lafayette. The reservoir is managed jointly by the City of Boulder and Northern Water.
The Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which supplies water to Boulder Reservoir, is designed to withstand several years of low precipitation, said Jeff Stahla, a public information officer for Northern Water. Water stored in Boulder Reservoir this summer likely comes from snowmelt in 2024 and 2025 rather than this year’s below-average runoff.
Reservoirs farther up the system, including Lake Granby, Grand Lake and Carter Lake, can store several years’ worth of water in the event of extended deficits.
Still, Stahla added, “We will be doing snow dances this fall.”
Water levels are expected to begin declining after Labor Day, when recreation slows and water withdrawals exceed inflows.
Farmers with contracts through Northern Water can also request additional water releases for irrigation.
