Cherry Creek Reservoir is filled by Cherry Creek, with many entities, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), owning water rights to store water in the reservoir. Due to dry conditions in 2024-2025, Cherry Creek Reservoir did not have an opportunity to refill to reach average water levels. During years when water demand exceeds supply, the reservoir cannot store additional water. In accordance with Colorado’s water right priority system, incoming flows must be distributed to entities which hold higher downstream water rights priorities. The reservoir started the 2026 boating season at the same water height as it ended the 2025 boating season last fall. In an average year, the reservoir loses approximately three vertical feet of water due to evaporation. The expected evaporation, coupled with the inability to refill the reservoir due to low snowpack, may result in boating restrictions and boat ramp closures for Cherry Creek State Park. CPW acquired additional water this spring in an effort to extend the 2026 boating season at Cherry Creek. The timing of potential closures is dependent on precipitation throughout the rest of spring and summer. Restrictions will be announced on the park’s website and social media channels.

 For more information on the impacts of drought on CPW-managed reservoirs throughout Colorado, see CPW Northeast Region preparing for low reservoir levels, potential boating restrictions.