An Overview of Colorado Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Most Famous Water Features in Colorado
Colorado is home to several notable water features. The Colorado River, which carves through the Grand Canyon, and the Arkansas River, known for its excellent rafting conditions, are among the state's most famous rivers. Notable lakes and reservoirs include Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest in the state by surface area, and Dillon Reservoir, popular for both boating and fishing. Streams such as the South Platte River and Clear Creek are also significant for their ecological and recreational value.
Sources of Water for Colorado's Rivers, Lakes, and Streams
Colorado's rivers, lakes, and streams are primarily fed by local mountain snowmelt, which ensures a consistent flow throughout the year. This snowmelt originates from the state's high-altitude mountain ranges. Some rivers, such as the Colorado River, receive contributions from distant sources beyond state lines, including mountain ranges in neighboring states. Additionally, groundwater and rainfall also contribute to these water sources.
Types of Rivers in Colorado
Colorado features various types of rivers and waterways. Major perennial rivers include the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers, which flow year-round. Exotic rivers, like the Dolores River, offer unique aquatic habitats. Tributary rivers, such as the Gunnison and Animas, feed into larger river systems, while man-made rivers like the High Line Canal serve irrigation needs. Rapids, especially on the Arkansas River, attract adventure seekers for whitewater rafting.
Types of Lakes in Colorado
Colorado hosts a diverse range of lake types. Glacial lakes, such as Bear Lake, were formed by ancient glacial activity. Anthropogenic lakes, including Blue Mesa Reservoir and Dillon Reservoir, were created by human intervention for purposes like irrigation and recreation. While tectonic, volcanic, and fluvial lakes are less common, they do exist in specific geological contexts. Cirque lakes or tarns, often found in mountainous areas, are also present.
Orientation of Colorado's Rivers
In Colorado, rivers predominantly flow from west to east due to the state's mountainous terrain. For example, the Arkansas River flows southeast from the Rockies, while the Colorado River travels from its headwaters in the mountains to the Grand Canyon. Some rivers also have winding paths, influenced by the landscape they traverse.
Natural vs. Man-Made Lakes in Colorado
Colorado's lakes include both natural and man-made features. Natural lakes, such as Bear Lake, are formed by natural geological processes, while man-made reservoirs like Blue Mesa and Dillon were created for water storage and recreation. These reservoirs were built by federal agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation and state agencies for purposes including flood control and irrigation.
Transportation and Dams on Colorado's Waterways
Colorado's rivers are not major transportation routes for cargo. They are more significant for recreational use and irrigation. Numerous dams, such as those on the Colorado River, are used for purposes like power generation, flood control, and water storage. Dams also support local recreation by creating reservoirs for activities such as boating and fishing.
Recreational Use of Rivers and Lakes
Colorado's rivers and lakes are popular for various recreational activities. The Arkansas River is renowned for whitewater rafting, while lakes like Dillon and Blue Mesa are favored for boating and fishing. Many other lakes and reservoirs provide opportunities for house boating and other water-based activities, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Flooding Issues in Colorado
Colorado rivers and lakes can experience flooding during wet years, particularly in areas where development is close to flood-prone zones. Flooding can impact homes and infrastructure, especially where levees and flood control measures are in place. Flood management practices are crucial to mitigate the effects of such events on communities and properties.
Support for Agriculture in Colorado
Several lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in Colorado support the state's agriculture industry. Water from reservoirs like Blue Mesa is used for irrigation, essential for crop production in the region. The Arkansas River and South Platte River also play significant roles in providing water for agricultural purposes across the state.
Pollution Problems in Colorado's Waterways
Some of Colorado's rivers and lakes have faced pollution issues. Historical mining activities, especially in areas like the Animas River, have led to contamination from heavy metals and other pollutants. Efforts are ongoing to address and remediate these issues, including cleanup initiatives and stricter environmental regulations.
Future Reservoir Construction Plans
Colorado continues to explore options for building new reservoirs to meet growing water needs. Ongoing discussions and planning involve state and federal agencies assessing the benefits of additional reservoirs for water storage, flood control, and recreation. Decisions on new projects consider environmental impacts and water management requirements.
Colorado Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Adobe Creek Reservoir, Kiowa Co, Colorado
Alamosa River, Archuleta Co, Colorado
Alamosa River, Conejos Co, Colorado
Alamosa River, Rio Grande Co, Colorado
Animas River, La Plata Co, Colorado
Animas River, San Juan Co, Colorado
Antero Reservoir, Park Co, Colorado
Apishapa River, Las Animas Co, Colorado
Arikaree River, Elbert Co, Colorado
Arikaree River, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Arikaree River, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Arikaree River, Washington Co, Colorado
Arikaree River, Yuma Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Bent Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Chaffee Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Crowley Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Fremont Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Lake Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Otero Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Prowers Co, Colorado
Arkansas River, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Badger Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Badger Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Badger Creek, Morgan Co, Colorado
Badger Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Barr Lake, Adams Co, Colorado
Bear Creek, Baca Co, Colorado
Bear Creek, Clear Creek Co, Colorado
Bear Creek, Jefferson Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Fremont Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Morgan Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Teller Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Yuma Co, Colorado
Big Blue Creek, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Big Blue Creek, Hinsdale Co, Colorado
Big Sandy Creek, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
Big Sandy Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Big Sandy Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Big Sandy Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Big Thompson River, Larimer Co, Colorado
Big Thompson River, Weld Co, Colorado
Big Timber Creek, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
Black Squirrel Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Black Squirrel Creek, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Bonny Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Bonny Creek, Yuma Co, Colorado
Bonny Reservoir, Yuma Co, Colorado
Boxelder Creek, Larimer Co, Colorado
Boyd Lake, Larimer Co, Colorado
Cache la Poudre River, Grand Co, Colorado
Cache la Poudre River, Larimer Co, Colorado
Cache la Poudre River, Weld Co, Colorado
Caddoa Creek, Bent Co, Colorado
Cebolla Creek, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Cebolla Creek, Hinsdale Co, Colorado
Chatfield Lake, Douglas Co, Colorado
Chatfield Lake, Jefferson Co, Colorado
Chico Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Chico Creek, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Clear Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Clear Creek, Clear Creek Co, Colorado
Clear Creek, Jefferson Co, Colorado
Coal Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
Cochetopa Creek, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Cochetopa Creek, Saguache Co, Colorado
Colorado River, Eagle Co, Colorado
Colorado River, Garfield Co, Colorado
Colorado River, Grand Co, Colorado
Colorado River, Mesa Co, Colorado
Comanche Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Comanche Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Comanche Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Conejos River, Conejos Co, Colorado
Crow Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
Crystal River, Garfield Co, Colorado
Crystal River, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Crystal River, Pitkin Co, Colorado
Cucharas River, Huerfano Co, Colorado
Culebra Creek, Costilla Co, Colorado
Dillon Reservoir, Summit Co, Colorado
Dolores River, Dolores Co, Colorado
Dolores River, Mesa Co, Colorado
Dolores River, Montezuma Co, Colorado
Dolores River, Montrose Co, Colorado
Dolores River, San Miguel Co, Colorado
Dry Creek, Delta Co, Colorado
Dry Creek, Montrose Co, Colorado
Dry Creek, Ouray Co, Colorado
Dry Creek, San Miguel Co, Colorado
Eagle River, Eagle Co, Colorado
East Bijou Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
East Bijou Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
East Bijou Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
East Branch Spring Creek, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
East Branch Spring Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir, Park Co, Colorado
Empire Reservoir, Morgan Co, Colorado
Empire Reservoir, Weld Co, Colorado
Florida River, La Plata Co, Colorado
Fortification Creek, Moffat Co, Colorado
Fountain Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Fountain Creek, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Fountain Creek, Teller Co, Colorado
Fourmile Creek, Fremont Co, Colorado
Fourmile Creek, Teller Co, Colorado
Gordon Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Gordon Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co, Colorado
Green River, Moffat Co, Colorado
Gunnison River, Delta Co, Colorado
Gunnison River, Mesa Co, Colorado
Gunnison River, Montrose Co, Colorado
Hell Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Hell Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Horse Creek, Baca Co, Colorado
Horse Creek, Bent Co, Colorado
Horse Creek, Crowley Co, Colorado
Horse Creek, Otero Co, Colorado
Horse Creek Reservoir, Bent Co, Colorado
Horse Creek Reservoir, Otero Co, Colorado
Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer Co, Colorado
Huerfano River, Huerfano Co, Colorado
Huerfano River, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Illinois River, Jackson Co, Colorado
Jackson Reservoir, Morgan Co, Colorado
John Martin Reservoir, Bent Co, Colorado
Julesburg Reservoir, Logan Co, Colorado
Julesburg Reservoir, Sedgwick Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, Morgan Co, Colorado
Kiowa Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
La Jara Creek, Alamosa Co, Colorado
La Jara Creek, Conejos Co, Colorado
Lake Fork,Gunnison Co, Colorado
Lake Fork,Hinsdale Co, Colorado
Lake Granby,Grand Co, Colorado
Lake Meredith,Crowley Co, Colorado
Landsman Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Landsman Creek, Yuma Co, Colorado
Laramie River, Larimer Co, Colorado
Left Hand Creek, Boulder Co, Colorado
Little Snake River, Moffat Co, Colorado
Little Thompson River, Larimer Co, Colorado
Little Thompson River, Weld Co, Colorado
Lone Tree Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
Mancos River, Montezuma Co, Colorado
McElmo Creek, Montezuma Co, Colorado
McPhee Reservoir, Montezuma Co, Colorado
Middle Fork South Platte River, Park Co, Colorado
Middlemist Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Middlemist Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Middlemist Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Middlemist Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Milton Reservoir, Weld Co, Colorado
Monument Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Mustang Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Mustang Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Mustang Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Mustang Creek, Otero Co, Colorado
Mustang Creek, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Naturita Creek, Montrose Co, Colorado
Naturita Creek, San Miguel Co, Colorado
Navajo Reservoir, Archuleta Co, Colorado
Neegronda Reservoir, Kiowa Co, Colorado
Neenoshe Reservoir, Kiowa Co, Colorado
Neesopah Reservoir, Kiowa Co, Colorado
North Butte Creek, Prowers Co, Colorado
North Fork Arikaree River, Lincoln Co, CO
North Fork Arikaree River, Washington Co, CO
North Fork Cimarron River, Baca Co, Colorado
North Fork Frenchman Creek, Logan Co, Colorado
North Fork Frenchman Creek, Phillips Co, CO
North Fork Smoky Hill River, Cheyenne Co, CO
North Fork Smoky Hill River, Kit Carson Co, CO
North Fork South Platte River, Jefferson Co, CO
North Fork South Platte River, Park Co, CO
North Platte River, Jackson Co, Colorado
North Sterling Reservoir, Logan Co, Colorado
Piceance Creek, Garfield Co, Colorado
Piceance Creek, Rio Blanco Co, Colorado
Piedra River, Archuleta Co, Colorado
Piedra River, Hinsdale Co, Colorado
Piedra River, Mineral Co, Colorado
Plateau Creek, Mesa Co, Colorado
Plum Creek, Douglas Co, Colorado
Plum Creek, Prowers Co, Colorado
Pond Creek, Crowley Co, Colorado
Pond Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Pond Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Prewitt Reservoir, Logan Co, Colorado
Prewitt Reservoir, Washington Co, Colorado
Pueblo Reservoir, Pueblo Co, Colorado
Purgatoire River, Bent Co, Colorado
Purgatoire River, Las Animas Co, Colorado
Purgatoire River, Otero Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Alamosa Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Conejos Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Costilla Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Hinsdale Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Mineral Co, Colorado
Rio Grande,Rio Grande Co, Colorado
Riverside Reservoir, Weld Co, Colorado
Roan Creek, Garfield Co, Colorado
Roan Creek, Mesa Co, Colorado
Roaring Fork River, Eagle Co, Colorado
Roaring Fork River, Garfield Co, Colorado
Roaring Fork River, Pitkin Co, Colorado
Rock Creek, Logan Co, Colorado
Rock Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Rock Creek, Yuma Co, Colorado
Rule Creek, Baca Co, Colorado
Rule Creek, Bent Co, Colorado
Rule Creek, Las Animas Co, Colorado
Running Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Running Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Running Creek, El Paso Co, Colorado
Running Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Rush Creek, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
Rush Creek, Kiowa Co, Colorado
Rush Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Saguache Creek, Saguache Co, Colorado
Saint Charles River, Custer Co, Colorado
Saint Charles River, Pueblo Co, Colorado
San Juan River, Archuleta Co, Colorado
San Juan River, Mineral Co, Colorado
San Juan River, Montezuma Co, Colorado
San Juan River, Rio Grande Co, Colorado
San Miguel River, Montrose Co, Colorado
San Miguel River, San Miguel Co, Colorado
Sanchez Reservoir, Costilla Co, Colorado
Sand Arroyo Creek, Baca Co, Colorado
Sand Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Sand Creek, Lincoln Co, Colorado
Sand Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Sandy Creek, Logan Co, Colorado
Sandy Creek, Phillips Co, Colorado
Shadow Mountain Lake, Grand Co, Colorado
Smith Fork,Delta Co, Colorado
Smith Fork,Gunnison Co, Colorado
Smoky Hill River, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
South Fork Republican River, Kit Carson Co, CO
South Fork Republican River, Lincoln Co, CO
South Fork White River, Garfield Co, CO
South Fork White River, Rio Blanco Co, CO
South Platte River, Adams Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Denver Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Douglas Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Jefferson Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Logan Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Morgan Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Washington Co, Colorado
South Platte River, Weld Co, Colorado
Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Park Co, Colorado
Spring Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Spring Creek, Larimer Co, Colorado
Spring Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
Standley Lake, Jefferson Co, Colorado
Surveyor Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Surveyor Creek, Yuma Co, Colorado
Tarryall Creek, Park Co, Colorado
Taylor Park Reservoir, Gunnison Co, Colorado
Trout Creek, Rio Blanco Co, Colorado
Trout Creek, Routt Co, Colorado
Turquoise Lake, Lake Co, Colorado
Twin Lakes Reservoir, Lake Co, Colorado
Two Butte Creek, Baca Co, Colorado
Two Butte Creek, Prowers Co, Colorado
Uncompahgre River, Delta Co, Colorado
Uncompahgre River, Montrose Co, Colorado
Uncompahgre River, Ouray Co, Colorado
Vallecito Reservoir, La Plata Co, Colorado
Vega Creek, Washington Co, Colorado
Vermillion Creek, Moffat Co, Colorado
West Dolores River, Dolores Co, Colorado
West Dolores River, Montezuma Co, Colorado
West Sand Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
West Sand Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
West Sand Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
White River, Rio Blanco Co, Colorado
Wild Horse Creek, Cheyenne Co, Colorado
Wild Horse Creek, Kit Carson Co, Colorado
Wildcat Creek, Morgan Co, Colorado
Wildcat Creek, Weld Co, Colorado
Wildhorse Creek, Logan Co, Colorado
Wildhorse Creek, Phillips Co, Colorado
Williams Fork Reservoir, Grand Co, Colorado
Wolf Creek, Adams Co, Colorado
Wolf Creek, Arapahoe Co, Colorado
Wolf Creek, Elbert Co, Colorado
Yampa River, Moffat Co, Colorado
Yampa River, Routt Co, Colorado