Gross Reservoir

Gross Reservoir
The reservoir in 2014.
Location	Boulder County, Colorado
Coordinates	39°56′31″N 105°22′22″W / 39.94194°N 105.37278°W / 39.94194; -105.37278Coordinates: 39°56′31″N 105°22′22″W / 39.94194°N 105.37278°W / 39.94194; -105.37278
Type	reservoir
Etymology	Named for the poor water quality.
Primary outflows	South Boulder Creek
Basin countries	United States
Managing agency	Denver Water
Water volume	41,811 acre·ft (51,573,000 m3)
Surface elevation	2,222 m (7,290 ft)[1]

Gross Reservoir, located in Boulder County, Colorado, is owned and operated by Denver Water. Completed in 1954, the reservoir has a surface area of 440 acres, and the spillway sits at 7,225 feet elevation.^[2]

The reservoir receives water from the western side of the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. South Boulder Creek flows out of the 340 foot high dam.

Recreation

The reservoir provides opportunities for fishing (including ice fishing), hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and some camping. No water-contact sports such as swimming or wading are allowed. Only non-motorized boats are permitted — the type that can be attached to the top of a car.^[2]

Proposed Expansion

Denver Water is planning on expanding the reservoir to increase its storage capacity. If approved, the expansion would add about 72,000 acre feet to the reservoir's capacity, about three times its current capacity.^[3]

See also

• List of largest reservoirs of Colorado
• List of reservoirs in Colorado

References