(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.

Fortunately, March and April made good on their reputations as the first and second snowiest months for the state of Colorado. A series of storms bumped up snowpack and brought renewed hope for the remainder of spring and the coming summer months.

Water Levels and Project Operation

Water was delivered from Granby Reservoir to Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs from January through May of 2013. Plans to have both reservoirs as full as conditions allow by Memorial Day weekend remain in place.

The pump to Carter Lake went off for the season on Friday, May 3. The first half of May likely marks the peak of Carter's water level elevation for the year. It will start the recreation season about 95% full, with an elevation of about 5754, or five feet down from full.

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. With 500 or more cfs of water coming into Inlet Bay, Horsetooth's elevation will continue to steadily rise until Memorial Day weekend.

Over the past ten years, the average water level at Horsetooth for Memorial Day is about 5414 feet, roughly 16 feet down from full. It is anticipated that Horsetooth's water level elevation will exceed that this year.

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. This year will mark our 17th annual event.

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