One of the seasonal treats of the late spring is when reservoir levels rise up to and sometimes above the normal full elevation of the lake. In some places, the high water laps back into wooded areas beyond the regular shoreline and inundates the tree trunks under a shallow depth of water. When this happens, one can explore through the maze of trees via watercraft for a calming and unique paddleboard experience.
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| Inundated cottonwoods at the south end of Chatfield Lake |
There are a few places on the front range that are great for paddling through the trees when the season is right.
The mellow topography of Barr Lake means that high water creates expansive shallows in the wooded coves of the lake. The coves south of the boat ramp, in particular, contain large trees the practically encircle the interior of the cove. An irrigation ditch the contours above the shoreline nurtures even more large trees around the lake. The large trees between the cove and main lake further shield the shallow waters from wind and waves. Barr lake is typically full by mid to late may, and starts to draw down by July.
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| ☆ Barr Lake North Cove |
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☆ Barr Lake North Cove
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The 2021 season has brought a sea change to the fringes of Chatfield Lake, including many acres of newly inundated woods. The new landscape is the culmination of several years of construction throughout the park to raise the normal operating lake level as much as 12 feet. Along with raising the water level, the Chatfield Reallocation Project has done a detailed analysis of tree management within the seasonal water level fluctuation zone (between elevations 5432 and 5444 feet) to optimize that habitat and recreational experience. The end result is many acres of shallow-water glades near Kingfisher (South End) and Plum Creek (Southeast Arm). These areas are actually quite shady, with alternating patches of open sky and tree canopy. The Jamison and Catfish Flats areas have trees as well, but not nearly as expansive as Kingfisher or Plum Creek.
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| Chatfield South End Trees |
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Plum Creek Trees
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The coves on the western edge of Horsetooth have scattered wooded areas that become inundated at high water. The surrounding topography also offers good protection from waves and wind, depending on wind direction. The northern and southern coves of Eltuck Bay each have a nice area of wooded shallows. The Soldier Canyon Cove has another shady area near the inlet.
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| ☆ South Eltuck Cove |
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| ☆ Soldier Canyon Cove |
Several other area lakes have smaller, scattered areas of woods on the water, including Boyd Lake and Bear Creek Lake. A quick check of water levels before selecting a springtime SUP outing can help in planning a visit to these places during their best windows. Have fun exploring the trees and stay safe on the water!
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| Chatfield's Plum Creek trees in the early season |
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