(Above) Spring snow storms have brought new hope for a good summer at Horsetooth Reservoir, seen here with Dixon Canyon Dam in the foreground.

(Above) The Galena Fire burned down to the western shoreline of Horsetooth Reservoir back in March.

Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs have likely reached their highest water level elevations for the summer. Both have been roughly 80% full since the end of May.

Water Levels and Project Operations

Water was delivered from Granby Reservoir to Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs from January through May of 2013. It is likely both reservoirs will maintain their current water elevations, or close to them, through the Fourth of July weekend

The pump to Carter Lake went off for the season on Friday, May 3. With the pump to Carter turned off, Horsetooth Reservoir receives almost the full 550 cubic-foot-per-second carrying capacity of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, unless deliveries to other project customers are being made along the Big Thompson River.

In June, Big T deliveries and power generation cut back on some of the water flowing into Horsetooth Reservoir.

Over the past ten years, the average water level at Horsetooth on Memorial Day has been about 5414 feet, roughly 16 feet down from full. This year met that average and Horsetooth has not seen much fluctuation in its content, so far.

Before reaching Horsetooth and Carter, C-BT water comes under the Continental Divide via the Adams Tunnel. Once in Estes Park, it is used to generate hydro-electric power at the Marys and Estes power plants. From Estes, water can either be released down the Big Thompson Canyon, or continue through the C-BT's southern power arm, generating power at two more plants: Flatiron and Big Thompson.

As it moves through the power system, C-BT also moves through four other reservoirs. Water levels are about average for this time of year at Lake Estes, Marys Lake, Pinewood, and Flatiron reservoirs.

CAST for Kids at Horsetooth

One of the best parts of the year is the CAST for Kids event at Horsetooth Reservoir. 2013 marked our 17th annual event. Although it was a little windy, 26 children and their families joined us for CAST at Horsetooth and had a fabulous time catching fish, making friends, and enjoying a day outside.

Parents can find the 2013 CAST portraits on-line at: http://www.usbr.gov/gp/publicaffairs/horsetooth_cast_060113.html

Please feel free to download the picture of your child and print at home. The pictures are provided as 5x7 portraits so they fit easily into the CAST plaque.

CAST events are special days because approximately 100 volunteers come together to take differently-abled and disadvantaged kids out on the water for a fantastic day of fishing and fun. Local-area fishing clubs, most notably the Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society, donate their boats, time, and personal expertise to give everyone a decent chance at catching a fish. Participating families, volunteers, and BASS fishermen and women are joined by participating businesses who donate staff and supplies to make the day a great success.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in participating in our annual CAST for Kids event, please contact Kara Lamb to register. Registration is open for children in kindergarten through high school and closes on May 20.

To learn more about CAST, visit the web site. To learn more about our event, search "events" on the CAST page, or visit us on Facebook at "CAST at Horsetooth."

For more information on Carter, Horsetooth and the CAST for Kids event at Horsetooth, please contact Kara Lamb.

• Information for Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel and Treatment Plant
• Colorado-Big Thompson Project Information
• Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Information
• Contact ECAO's Public Involvement Specialist
• More Public Involvement Links...

• Hunting & Fishing Regulations (Colorado Division of Wildlife)
• Hunting & Fishing Regulations by State
• Boat Launching Facilities
• Recreation Sites in Colorado
• Concessions Management Information