Dillon Reservoir, a critical water source, is currently at just 63% of its total capacity and is projected to dwindle further to between 45% and 50% capacity by April 1, according to Denver Water.
This level is abnormal for this time of year, as the reservoir typically sits at around 95% capacity, Jay Adams, a Denver Water spokesperson, stated in a video released earlier this month. The agency expects the reservoir to drop another 20 to 25 feet before the spring snowmelt begins to replenish the water supply in early April. If the reservoir reaches the projected level, it will near the historic low of 50% set in March 2003, though it is not expected to reach the record low of 35% set in 1978.
Several factors contribute to the diminished water levels. Colorado experienced historically low snowpack this year, and the subsequent monsoon season brought below-normal levels of precipitation across the state. 9News meteorologist Corey Reppenhagen noted that wildfire activity outpaced rainfall, leading to a more than 10% increase in drought conditions in regions across Colorado during the monsoon season. This lack of rain significantly impacted the water Dillon Reservoir receives that does not originate from melting snowpack.
Tenmile Creek, a key feeder into Dillon Reservoir, currently has record-low stream flows, according to Adams. The visual impact of the drought is evident; dramatic aerial footage in a Denver Water video, published October 5 on the agency’s social media, shows the docks of the Frisco Bay Marina nearly a mile from the water. The marina had seen water slowly recede into mud at its docks last February and consequently decided not to open its summer boating operations.
The video also captures the reemergence of the old U.S. Highway 6, which was submerged when the reservoir was created but has reappeared during previous drought conditions. In response to the persistent drought and low water levels, Denver Water implemented a lawn-watering ban starting October 1. The agency estimates this measure will conserve 1.6 billion gallons of water, 9News reported. The ongoing drought conditions underscore the challenges facing water resources in the region as Colorado heads into winter.
