Our Reservoirs
The Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District owns and stores water, as well as operates several reservoirs, within the Arkansas River system. These storage reservoirs provide a range of economic, environmental and community benefits including water supply, recreational opportunities, flood mitigation, flow enhancement and wildlife habitat. Most people appreciate storage reservoirs for the fun they offer such as fishing, canoeing, camping nearby and other water activities. Storage also helps the environment. After all, if there wasn’t enough water in our lakes or the right flows in our streams and creeks, our fishery and other wildlife would be greatly impacted.
Boss Lake - State Reservoir
Located at 10,872 feet elevation in Chaffee County, the turn off for Boss Lake is located almost directly across from Monarch Lodge on Forest Road 230 on Highway 50. The road is definitely not for the faint of heart and requires a 4WD high clearance vehicle. This beautiful lake is worth the trek as it is heavily stocked with Greenback Cutthroats making it a great fishing destination. The UAWCD manages and operates the reservoir which plays an important role for water supply needs in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
Conquistador Reservoir
Once a part of the now non-existent Conquistador ski area in Custer County, the UAWCD stores water and operates the Conquistador Reservoir in partnership with the owner. While there is no public access, the storage reservoir will play an important role in meeting future water needs in Custer County, including allowing the District the ability to effectively administer our blanket augmentation plan within the county.
Cottonwood Lake
Cottonwood Lake is located 9 miles from the town of Buena Vista. The lake is a great fishing destination and has a boat launch for non-motorized water craft. There is a campground here with access to great hiking trails including Cottonwood Lake Trail and Mineral Basin Trail. Consider visiting during the fall when the colors are spectacular. From the Highway 24/Main Street stoplight in Buena Vista head west until the road becomes CR 306 and then continue heading west into the mountains. The turnoff for Cottonwood Lake, CR 344, is on the left across from Harvard City Riding Stables. Cottonwood Lake plays an important role with municipal water supply for the town of Buena Vista. The U.S. Forest Service also stores water in Cottonwood Lake.
DeWeese Reservoir
Located in Westcliffe, this popular 208-acre reservoir dams Grape Creek and stores 2,783 acre-feet of water. DeWeese provides great recreational opportunities for visitors and residents close to town including fishing, birding and wildlife viewing. The reservoir is owned by the DeWeese Dye Ditch and Reservoir Company and UAWCD has storage rights in the reservoir along with other municipal and agricultural providers. From Westcliffe, go 5 miles northwest on Hwy 69 to Copper Gulch Road then two miles to the reservoir.
O'Haver Lake
O’Haver reservoir was built in 1949 by Chaffee County and the Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) for the purposes of irrigation water. The reservoir was named after former County Commissioner R.T. O’Haver. In 1982, Chaffee County transferred all rights and interest of O’Haver reservoir, along with Boss and North Fork reservoirs, to the UAWCD.
Today, O'Haver is a popular recreation and camping destination for people in Colorado and beyond. The camping is great at O’Haver and people enjoy fishing, canoeing and other fun water activities. Situated at 9,132’ feet in elevation, O'Haver reservoir can store up to 186.7 acre-feet of water. The UAWCD owns water rights, has storage decrees and operates the reservoir through a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. The Town of Poncha Springs also stores water in the reservoir and the UAWCD operates releases for both parties.
Today, O'Haver is a popular recreation and camping destination for people in Colorado and beyond. The camping is great at O’Haver and people enjoy fishing, canoeing and other fun water activities. Situated at 9,132’ feet in elevation, O'Haver reservoir can store up to 186.7 acre-feet of water. The UAWCD owns water rights, has storage decrees and operates the reservoir through a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. The Town of Poncha Springs also stores water in the reservoir and the UAWCD operates releases for both parties.
North Fork Reservoir
At 11,000’ elevation, visitors can enjoy high altitude camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. This beautiful storage reservoir offers many benefits to the Upper Arkansas River Valley. In addition to great recreational opportunities, North Fork also provides for the environment and plays an important role for water supply needs. UAWCD manages and operates the North Fork Reservoir with a special use permit with U.S. Forest Service. From Poncha Springs, head west on Highway 50 to CR 240. Turn right and stay on the road for three miles until you get to the Angel of Shavano campground. Once there, keep going west for another 6 miles to the North Fork Reservoir. You’ll want high clearance and 4WD, but we assure you it is worth the effort.
Rainbow Lake
Uniquely situated in the Collegiate Peaks mountain range in the San Isabel National Forest, Rainbow Lake is approximately 8 miles west of Buena Vista and is a part of the Rainbow Lake Resort which is privately owned and there is no public access. UAWCD stores water in the lake pursuant to a contract agreement with the owner of the lake, providing important storage and water supply within the Cottonwood drainage.
Turquoise Lake Reservoir
One of Colorado's favorite high-altitude recreational destinations is Turquoise Lake. Located five miles west of Leadville, the 1,780-acre Turquoise Lake offers plenty of opportunity for avid outdoors fans. As part of the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project developed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, visitors have plenty of access to the water and surrounding Mount Massive Wilderness Area's 30,540 acres with numerous campgrounds. The reservoir has excellent amenities and is located in one of the most scenic areas in Colorado.
Twin Lakes Reservoir
Twin Lakes Reservoir was constructed by the Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company and is part of the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It is fed water by Turquoise Lake. Located 13 miles south of Leadville, Twin Lakes is an important storage vessel and is essential to the management of the Arkansas River and to the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District.
Twin Lakes Reservoir in the upper basin, along with Pueblo Reservoir in the lower reaches of the Arkansas River, allows for the successful implementation of the voluntary flow management program which benefits recreational activities such as whitewater rafting and fishing. Learn more about the Voluntary Flow Management Program here.
Twin Lakes Reservoir in the upper basin, along with Pueblo Reservoir in the lower reaches of the Arkansas River, allows for the successful implementation of the voluntary flow management program which benefits recreational activities such as whitewater rafting and fishing. Learn more about the Voluntary Flow Management Program here.
Pueblo Reservoir
Primarily known for its recreational opportunities, Pueblo Reservoir is an important storage vessel for managing and administering water on the Arkansas River for many municipalities, including the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District. With storage rights in the upper reaches of the Arkansas River, as well as the Pueblo Reservoir down below, the UAWCD is able to efficiently and effectively manage its water portfolio. The District has various storage agreements in the Pueblo Reservoir including Fry-Ark allocations managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and agreements with the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
Fry-Ark Project Water
The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project (Fry-Ark Project) is a Transmountain diversion from the Frying Pan River on the western slope of the Continental Divide to the Arkansas River for the water-short eastern slope. It collects approximately 57,400 acre-feet of water each year and is managed by the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Without Fry-Ark Project water, the Arkansas River as we know it today would be quite different. The Frk-Ark Project provides important supplemental water supply for irrigation, municipal and industrial uses, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational opportunities in our area. Twin Lakes, Turquoise Lake and Pueblo Reservoir play important roles as primary storage vessels for the management of the Fry-Ark project.
