Low water levels expected to impact Colorado summer boating season

Water levels at Colorado reservoirs are expected to be low this summer following historically low snowpack, and that will likely impact water recreation.

The water in these reservoirs is mostly owned by water providers and is primarily used to irrigate agriculture fields and as municipal water supply, resulting in drawdowns as summer progresses.

Access for kayaks, paddleboards and shore fishing is not expected to be impacted at most locations.

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Boat ramps at the Colorado state parks and wildlife areas listed below will be closed when Colorado Parks and Wildlife is no longer able to launch officer patrol boats or marine rescue vessels, according to an April 30 news release.

Here is a roundup of what to expect at waters around Colorado.

Northern Colorado reservoir outlook

• Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake: Both are nearly 90% full and normal water recreation operations are expected this summer, but water level will likely drop a bit faster than in recent years, according to Jeff Stahla, Northern Water spokesperson.

• Boyd Lake State Park: Currently at about one-third capacity. More water usually fills the reservoir in mid- to late May, but it’s unclear if the reservoir will be refilled in 2026. Boaters should expect very low water levels throughout the season. Heron Cove boat ramp is closed due to low water levels. All vessels must be launched from the main boat ramp. If restrictions are enacted, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will likely limit the number of boats allowed rather than closing the reservoir to all boating. The marina will not open for the 2026 boating season. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.

• Windsor Lake: Motorized boating permits will not be issued for the 2026 summer season due to low water levels, according to a town news release. The lake will be open to paddleboarding, kayaking, equipment rentals and access to the designated swimming area. Staff will be on-site throughout the summer. For updates, visit the Windsor Lake page on the town's Parks, Recreation & Culture website.

• St. Vrain State Park: The ponds are not expected to be greatly impacted by low water levels because Colorado Parks and Wildlife owns the water rights and water is not distributed from the ponds for other uses. Any restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.  

• Barr Lake: It fills during winter and is drawn down for irrigation purposes over the summer. The reservoir started the 2026 boating season at full capacity. At the current water level, any potential boat ramp closures would likely not be until July or August. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social media channels.

• Jackson Lake State Park: It started this year’s boating season at full capacity. The reservoir is naturally shallow and usually refills in the fall. Colorado Parks and Wildlife expects to have a low reservoir level year, with water drawn as early as June. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social media channels.   

• North SterlingState Park: It started the 2026 boating season at full capacity. Since it is farther downstream, boating impacts are considered less likely until later in the summer. Restrictions would be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.   

Outlook at other state parks in Colorado

• Chatfield State Park: Its size and topography allow it to sustain water levels for boating despite large draws from it. It started at average reservoir levels this year, and few impacts to recreation are expected. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.

• Cherry Creek Reservoir: Dry conditions in 2024-2025 didn't allow the reservoir to refill to average water levels. The reservoir started the 2026 boating season at the same water height as it ended the 2025 boating season in the fall, which may result in boating restrictions and boat ramp closures. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.

• Eleven Mile State Park: Water levels have not fluctuated more than a foot or two in decades and it can be drawn down significantly without affecting recreation. Large fluctuations are not expected in 2026. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social mediachannels.

• Spinney MountainState Park: Historically low snowpack has led to extremely low water levels, and it is unlikely the boat ramp will open for the 2026 season. Boat ramp openings or restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social media channels.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan:Colorado reservoir recreation will likely be impacted by low snowpack