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
Rivers & Creeks
Alamosa River, Archuleta Co — Freestone
Alamosa River, Conejos Co — Freestone (regulated below Terrace)
Alamosa River, Rio Grande Co — Freestone
Animas River, La Plata Co — Freestone
Animas River, San Juan Co — Freestone
Apishapa River, Las Animas Co — Intermittent
Arikaree River, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Arikaree River, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Arikaree River, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Arikaree River, Washington Co — Intermittent
Arikaree River, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Arkansas River, Lake Co — Freestone (headwaters)
Arkansas River, Chaffee Co — Freestone
Arkansas River, Fremont Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Pueblo Co — Tailwater (below Pueblo Dam)
Arkansas River, Otero Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Bent Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Crowley Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Prowers Co — Regulated mainstem
Badger Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
Badger Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Badger Creek, Morgan Co — Intermittent
Badger Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Bear Creek, Baca Co — Intermittent
Bear Creek, Clear Creek Co — Freestone
Bear Creek, Jefferson Co — Freestone
Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Beaver Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Beaver Creek, Fremont Co — Freestone
Beaver Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Beaver Creek, Morgan Co — Intermittent
Beaver Creek, Teller Co — Freestone
Beaver Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Beaver Creek, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Big Blue Creek, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Big Blue Creek, Hinsdale Co — Freestone
Big Sandy Creek, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
Big Sandy Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Big Sandy Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Big Sandy Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Big Thompson River, Larimer Co — Tailwater/Regulated (below Lake Estes)
Big Thompson River, Weld Co — Regulated mainstem
Big Timber Creek, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
Black Squirrel Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Black Squirrel Creek, Pueblo Co — Intermittent
Bonny Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Bonny Creek, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Boxelder Creek, Larimer Co — Intermittent
Cache la Poudre River, Grand Co — Freestone
Cache la Poudre River, Larimer Co — Freestone (canyon)
Cache la Poudre River, Weld Co — Regulated mainstem
Caddoa Creek, Bent Co — Intermittent
Cebolla Creek, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Cebolla Creek, Hinsdale Co — Freestone
Chico Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Chico Creek, Pueblo Co — Intermittent
Clear Creek, Adams Co — Regulated mainstem
Clear Creek, Clear Creek Co — Freestone
Clear Creek, Jefferson Co — Freestone
Coal Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
Cochetopa Creek, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Cochetopa Creek, Saguache Co — Freestone
Colorado River, Grand Co — Tailwater/Regulated (headwater reservoirs)
Colorado River, Eagle Co — Regulated mainstem
Colorado River, Garfield Co — Regulated mainstem
Colorado River, Mesa Co — Regulated mainstem
Comanche Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
Comanche Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Comanche Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Conejos River, Conejos Co — Tailwater/Regulated (below Platoro)
Crow Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
Crystal River, Garfield Co — Freestone
Crystal River, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Crystal River, Pitkin Co — Freestone
Cucharas River, Huerfano Co — Freestone (upper)
Culebra Creek, Costilla Co — Freestone
Dolores River, Dolores Co — Freestone (upper)
Dolores River, Mesa Co — Regulated mainstem
Dolores River, Montezuma Co — Tailwater (below McPhee)
Dolores River, Montrose Co — Regulated mainstem
Dolores River, San Miguel Co — Freestone
Dry Creek, Delta Co — Intermittent
Dry Creek, Montrose Co — Intermittent
Dry Creek, Ouray Co — Freestone
Dry Creek, San Miguel Co — Intermittent
Eagle River, Eagle Co — Freestone
East Bijou Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
East Bijou Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
East Bijou Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
East Branch Spring Creek, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
East Branch Spring Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Florida River, La Plata Co — Tailwater (below Lemon)
Fortification Creek, Moffat Co — Intermittent
Fountain Creek, El Paso Co — Regulated/Urban stream
Fountain Creek, Pueblo Co — Regulated/Urban stream
Fountain Creek, Teller Co — Freestone
Fourmile Creek, Fremont Co — Freestone
Fourmile Creek, Teller Co — Freestone
Gordon Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Gordon Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Green River, Moffat Co — Tailwater (below Flaming Gorge)
Gunnison River, Delta Co — Tailwater/Regulated
Gunnison River, Mesa Co — Regulated mainstem
Gunnison River, Montrose Co — Tailwater/Regulated
Hell Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Hell Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Horse Creek, Baca Co — Intermittent
Horse Creek, Bent Co — Intermittent
Horse Creek, Crowley Co — Intermittent
Horse Creek, Otero Co — Intermittent
Huerfano River, Huerfano Co — Freestone (upper)
Huerfano River, Pueblo Co — Regulated mainstem
Illinois River, Jackson Co — Freestone (meadow)
Kiowa Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
Kiowa Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Kiowa Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Kiowa Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Kiowa Creek, Morgan Co — Intermittent
Kiowa Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
La Jara Creek, Alamosa Co — Freestone
La Jara Creek, Conejos Co — Freestone
Lake Fork, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Lake Fork, Hinsdale Co — Freestone
Landsman Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Landsman Creek, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Laramie River, Larimer Co — Freestone
Left Hand Creek, Boulder Co — Freestone
Little Snake River, Moffat Co — Freestone
Little Thompson River, Larimer Co — Freestone
Little Thompson River, Weld Co — Regulated plains stream
Lone Tree Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
Mancos River, Montezuma Co — Freestone (regulated)
McElmo Creek, Montezuma Co — Freestone (ag-diverted)
Middle Fork South Platte River, Park Co — Tailwater/Regulated (Antero–Spinney–Elevenmile system)
Middlemist Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Middlemist Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Middlemist Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Middlemist Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Monument Creek, El Paso Co — Regulated/Urban stream
Mustang Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Mustang Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Mustang Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Mustang Creek, Otero Co — Intermittent
Mustang Creek, Pueblo Co — Intermittent
Naturita Creek, Montrose Co — Freestone
Naturita Creek, San Miguel Co — Freestone
North Butte Creek, Prowers Co — Intermittent
North Fork Arikaree River, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
North Fork Arikaree River, Washington Co — Intermittent
North Fork Cimarron River, Baca Co — Intermittent
North Fork Frenchman Creek, Logan Co — Intermittent
North Fork Frenchman Creek, Phillips Co — Intermittent
North Fork Smoky Hill River, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
North Fork Smoky Hill River, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
North Fork South Platte River, Jefferson Co — Freestone (Roberts Tunnel–augmented)
North Fork South Platte River, Park Co — Freestone
North Platte River, Jackson Co — Freestone
Piceance Creek, Garfield Co — Freestone
Piceance Creek, Rio Blanco Co — Freestone
Piedra River, Archuleta Co — Freestone
Piedra River, Hinsdale Co — Freestone
Piedra River, Mineral Co — Freestone
Plateau Creek, Mesa Co — Tailwater (below Vega)
Plum Creek, Douglas Co — Regulated/Front Range stream
Plum Creek, Prowers Co — Intermittent
Pond Creek, Crowley Co — Intermittent
Pond Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Pond Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Purgatoire River, Las Animas Co — Tailwater/Regulated (below Trinidad Lake)
Purgatoire River, Otero Co — Regulated mainstem
Purgatoire River, Bent Co — Regulated mainstem
Rio Grande, Hinsdale Co — Tailwater (below Rio Grande Reservoir)
Rio Grande, Mineral Co — Tailwater/Regulated
Rio Grande, Rio Grande Co — Regulated mainstem
Rio Grande, Alamosa Co — Regulated mainstem
Rio Grande, Conejos Co — Regulated mainstem
Rio Grande, Costilla Co — Regulated mainstem
Roan Creek, Garfield Co — Freestone
Roan Creek, Mesa Co — Freestone
Roaring Fork River, Eagle Co — Freestone
Roaring Fork River, Garfield Co — Freestone
Roaring Fork River, Pitkin Co — Freestone
Rock Creek, Logan Co — Intermittent
Rock Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Rock Creek, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Rule Creek, Baca Co — Intermittent
Rule Creek, Bent Co — Intermittent
Rule Creek, Las Animas Co — Intermittent
Running Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
Running Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Running Creek, El Paso Co — Intermittent
Running Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Rush Creek, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
Rush Creek, Kiowa Co — Intermittent
Rush Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Saguache Creek, Saguache Co — Freestone
Saint Charles River, Custer Co — Freestone
Saint Charles River, Pueblo Co — Freestone
San Juan River, Archuleta Co — Freestone
San Juan River, Mineral Co — Freestone
San Juan River, Montezuma Co — Regulated mainstem
San Juan River, Rio Grande Co — Freestone
San Miguel River, Montrose Co — Freestone
San Miguel River, San Miguel Co — Freestone
Sand Arroyo Creek, Baca Co — Intermittent
Sand Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Sand Creek, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
Sand Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Sandy Creek, Logan Co — Intermittent
Sandy Creek, Phillips Co — Intermittent
Smith Fork, Delta Co — Freestone
Smith Fork, Gunnison Co — Freestone
Smoky Hill River, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
South Fork Republican River, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent/Regulated
South Fork Republican River, Lincoln Co — Intermittent
South Fork White River, Garfield Co — Freestone
South Fork White River, Rio Blanco Co — Freestone
South Platte River, Jefferson Co — Tailwater/Regulated (Cheesman/Strontia)
South Platte River, Douglas Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Denver Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Arapahoe Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Adams Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Morgan Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Weld Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Washington Co — Regulated mainstem
South Platte River, Logan Co — Regulated mainstem
Spring Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Spring Creek, Larimer Co — Freestone (urban)
Spring Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
Surveyor Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Surveyor Creek, Yuma Co — Intermittent
Tarryall Creek, Park Co — Tailwater (below Tarryall Reservoir)
Trout Creek, Rio Blanco Co — Freestone
Trout Creek, Routt Co — Freestone
Two Butte Creek, Baca Co — Intermittent
Two Butte Creek, Prowers Co — Intermittent
Uncompahgre River, Ouray Co — Freestone (upper)
Uncompahgre River, Montrose Co — Tailwater (below Ridgway)
Uncompahgre River, Delta Co — Regulated mainstem
Vega Creek, Washington Co — Intermittent
Vermillion Creek, Moffat Co — Freestone
West Dolores River, Dolores Co — Freestone
West Dolores River, Montezuma Co — Freestone
West Sand Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
West Sand Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
West Sand Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
White River, Rio Blanco Co — Freestone
Wild Horse Creek, Cheyenne Co — Intermittent
Wild Horse Creek, Kit Carson Co — Intermittent
Wildcat Creek, Morgan Co — Intermittent
Wildcat Creek, Weld Co — Intermittent
Wildhorse Creek, Logan Co — Intermittent
Wildhorse Creek, Phillips Co — Intermittent
Wolf Creek, Adams Co — Intermittent
Wolf Creek, Arapahoe Co — Intermittent
Wolf Creek, Elbert Co — Intermittent
Yampa River, Moffat Co — Freestone
Yampa River, Routt Co — Freestone
Lakes & Reservoirs
Adobe Creek Reservoir, Bent Co — Reservoir
Adobe Creek Reservoir, Kiowa Co — Reservoir
Antero Reservoir, Park Co — Reservoir
Barr Lake, Adams Co — Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison Co — Reservoir
Bonny Reservoir, Yuma Co — Reservoir
Boyd Lake, Larimer Co — Reservoir
Chatfield Lake, Douglas Co — Reservoir
Chatfield Lake, Jefferson Co — Reservoir
Dillon Reservoir, Summit Co — Reservoir
Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir, Park Co — Reservoir
Empire Reservoir, Morgan Co — Reservoir
Empire Reservoir, Weld Co — Reservoir
Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co — Reservoir
Horse Creek Reservoir, Bent Co — Reservoir
Horse Creek Reservoir, Otero Co — Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer Co — Reservoir
Jackson Reservoir, Morgan Co — Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir, Bent Co — Reservoir
Julesburg Reservoir, Logan Co — Reservoir
Julesburg Reservoir, Sedgwick Co — Reservoir
Lake Granby, Grand Co — Reservoir
Lake Meredith, Crowley Co — Reservoir
McPhee Reservoir, Montezuma Co — Reservoir
Milton Reservoir, Weld Co — Reservoir
Navajo Reservoir, Archuleta Co — Reservoir
Neegronda Reservoir, Kiowa Co — Reservoir
Neenoshe Reservoir, Kiowa Co — Reservoir
Neesopah Reservoir, Kiowa Co — Reservoir
North Sterling Reservoir, Logan Co — Reservoir
Prewitt Reservoir, Logan Co — Reservoir
Prewitt Reservoir, Washington Co — Reservoir
Pueblo Reservoir, Pueblo Co — Reservoir
Riverside Reservoir, Weld Co — Reservoir
Sanchez Reservoir, Costilla Co — Reservoir
Shadow Mountain Lake, Grand Co — Reservoir
Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Park Co — Reservoir
Standley Lake, Jefferson Co — Reservoir
Taylor Park Reservoir, Gunnison Co — Reservoir
Turquoise Lake, Lake Co — Reservoir
Twin Lakes Reservoir, Lake Co — Reservoir
Vallecito Reservoir, La Plata Co — Reservoir
Williams Fork Reservoir, Grand Co — Reservoir
