Reservoir Levels

Canoeing at Blue Mesa Reservoir.

NPS Photo

Water is a scarce, critical, and dwindling resource in the West. In addition to supporting recreational activities in Curecanti, it provides power to millions of homes and is the lifeblood for our communities, for wildlife, and for much of the farmlands that provide the foods we eat.

Reservoirs of Curecanti

Reservoir water levels in Curecanti are maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation. Throughout the country, the agency brings water to more than 31 million people and provides one out of five Western farmers (140,000) with irrigation water for 10 million acres of farmland that produce 60% of the nation's vegetables and 25% of its fruits and nuts.

Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, situated just west of Gunnison, Colorado.

Morrow Point and Crystal are remote, fjord-like reservoirs in the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison with flatwater boating opportunities.

 

Changing Reservoir Levels

The water levels at Curecanti's reservoirs are always changing. Inflow fluctuates with the seasons and the variability of winter snowpack. Outflow is based on downstream water needs. Some loss occurs due to evaporation, especially during the warmer months. Yet, a wide range of recreational opportunities remain available throughout the year.

In drought years, Gunnison River reservoirs may have lower water levels. Today, we are experiencing fluctuating reservoir elevations and their effects on boating access points, marinas, and the landscape.

• Significant changes to water levels affect usability of boat launch ramps throughout the year. Visitors should plan ahead. View the current status of your preferred launch ramp before heading to Curecanti. Be sure to budget time for aquatic invasive species inspections prior to launching.
• On Blue Mesa Reservoir, boaters should be aware that as water levels change, channels will narrow. Boaters should exercise caution in all areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Availability of marina facilities may vary. View the current status of on-lake facilities here.

There are many places to explore, even as water levels change, and the scenic shoreline is always evolving. Check current reservoir elevations to plan ahead and prepare for your visit to Curecanti. Learn more about boating safety and make every trip to Curecanti a safe and enjoyable one.

For current reservoir levels, follow the links for each reservoir at the bottom of this page.

 

Reservoir Level Effects on Launch Ramps and Services

Location/Facility	Minimum Safe Elevation	More Information
Elk Creek Ramp	7435 feet
Lake Fork Ramp	7448 feet
Iola Ramp	7440 feet
Elk Creek Marina	7448 feet	At 7450 feet, docks are disconnected from land and relocated to deeper water.
Lake Fork Marina	7440 feet	At 7443 feet, dock is disconnected from land and relocated to deeper water.

 

Blue Mesa Boat Launch Ramp Data

Location/Facility	Reservoir elevation range (feet)	Ramp width (feet)	Approx. ramp length (feet) at this width
Elk Creek Ramp	7525 to 7490 7490 to 7470 7470 to 7450 7450 to 7430	85 50 35 15	330 200 200 140
Lake Fork Ramp	7525 to 7490 7490 to 7470 7470 to 7440	90 45 30	350 150 230
Iola Ramp	7525 to 7490 7490 to 7460 7460 to 7430	60 45 15	300 300 200

 

Water Data by Reservoir

• 

  Blue Mesa Reservoir

  Check reservoir levels and water data from the Bureau of Reclamation.

• 

  Morrow Point Reservoir

  Check reservoir levels and water data from the Bureau of Reclamation.

• 

  Crystal Reservoir

  Check reservoir levels and water data from the Bureau of Reclamation