Denver Water says Antero Reservoir will near recreation in 2026 as a part of its drought response, with water from the Park County reservoir set to maneuver to Cheesman Reservoir within the coming weeks. The utility now lists Might 13 because the final day for public recreation entry at Antero.
The transfer comes as Denver Water tries to hold onto water in a yr with traditionally low snowpack and runoff. Denver Water stated that Antero has the very best evaporation-to-storage ratio in its system, and shifting that water to Cheesman might save about 5,000 acre-feet, roughly 25% of Antero’s storage capability, from evaporating.
Why Denver Water Is Draining Antero
Denver Water notes that Antero is a drought reservoir designed for dry years, and this yr definitely qualifies. In its April 20 provide replace, the utility stated snowpack in its assortment system remained on the lowest ranges seen up to now 40 years, with the Colorado River Basin at 36% of regular and the South Platte River Basin at simply 7% of regular as of April 20. Reservoir storage was 80% full, in contrast with a median of 85% for that date.
Denver Water’s board declared a Stage 1 drought on March 25, with a aim of reducing water use by 20% by April 30, 2027, and later permitted non permanent drought pricing that begins with Might water use. Denver Water serves about 1.5 million folks in Denver and the encompassing suburbs.
The utility notes the reservoir was additionally drained throughout the 2002 drought, and once more in 2015 for a dam rehabilitation venture.
What It Means for Anglers and Campers
Antero Reservoir was final drained for dam repairs in 2015-2016, and since then, it has constructed up a superb inhabitants of brown and rainbow trout. Breckenridge Anglers notes that trophy-caliber trout are caught within the lake.
For now, there’s nonetheless a brief window to make use of the reservoir. Tenting at Antero is allowed by Might 13, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife has approved an emergency public fish salvage tied to the deliberate drawdown. In response to CPW’s public discover, all bag and possession limits for all fish species are lifted by sundown on Might 13, after which Denver Water will shut public entry. A sound Colorado fishing license continues to be required.
CPW stated motorized boating and commercialized fishing aren’t allowed throughout the salvage window, however hand-launched vessels and shoreline angling are permitted. The company additionally warned that Antero has examined optimistic for New Zealand mudsnails, so anglers ought to clear, drain, and dry gear earlier than utilizing it elsewhere.
