Water Level and Weather Conditions

There are many fine stand-up paddle locations in Colorado. However, water level and weather conditions can greatly enhance or detract from the paddling experience, even in the middle of summer. Be sure to look into both before heading out to a destination.

Weather conditions:

Wind: 

Wind can have a dramatic impact to the experience of a day on the water. Calm conditions are obviously ideal.  A small water body or protected inlet with limited surface exposure in the upwind direction can blunt the effect of a light wind (<7mph).  Large, open bodies of water don’t need much wind to make conditions choppy.  Wind speeds above 10 mph can make upwind travel difficult without a 2-ended kayak-paddle setup.  Winds speeds above the mid-teens will likely be accompanied by gusts above 20 mph and it’s probably best just to stay off the water. 

When the wind does pick up, waves and chop will usually be most manageable near the shoreline or behind the contours of coves that break the wind. The upwind shoreline can be notably calmer than elsewhere on the lake. Mountain valleys can also funnel the winds into unpredictable directions.

If there is a steady breeze with otherwise accommodating conditions, it's generally most rewarding to start in a down-wind location and start out by paddling upwind. Then you can get an immediate idea of how much effort it takes to paddle against the wind and you can easily turn back if it becomes overwhelming. It also makes for a much easier--if not effortless--return to the launch point with a sustained tailwind.

Temperature:

Stand-up paddling is a premier diversion from oppressive mid-summer heat, but calm days in the spring and fall can be very enjoyable as well with a layer or two. A light breeze that may be tolerable with air temps in the 70s can quickly become unpleasant with a 5 to 7 degree drop. Sunny and calm conditions can maintain a good experience with air temperatures in the 60s or even below.

Also, be mindful of water temperatures, which lag the seasonal changes in air temperatures. Water temperatures remain cold in the spring and are still rising through the hottest weeks of the summer in July and August. After peaking around late August, water temps slowly, then quickly, decrease as nights become cooler and sunlight lesser. Consequently, water temperature in early June might be more comparable to late October than to summertime temperature.

Springtime in particular typically sees water temperatures that are still cold (40s and low 50s) with air temperatures that are only mild.  Consider a wetsuit if the sum of the air temperature and water temperature (F) are less than 120 degrees.  Also consider the potential for wind, choppy water, and how far you may be from shore or assistence in case of an inadvertent dip.  

Cloud cover:

Cloudy or partly cloudy skies can be a welcome respite from the hot summer sun. In the fall, once the daytime temperatures drop into the 60s and 50s, clouds become more of a nuisance as they block or dilute the sun's warming power. Cloudy or not, always use sun protection!

All paddle locations on the interactive SUP Map include a national weather service forecast link.  In addition to the graphical forecast, the forecast discussion link may provide useful information on weather nuances like timing of weather fronts and hourly wind variation.  

Water Level Conditions:

Many lakes that are at full capacity in May after spring runoff can draw down by late summer due to agricultural and urban water demands.  The difference in paddling experience can be the ability to float right up to the edge of the surrounding vegetation versus having a perimeter dead zone or bathtub ring around the water.  In flat terrain, it can mean walking right up to the lake’s edge versus traversing mud flats to get to the water.   Some locations even have shoreside forested areas that partially inundate in high water and offer the chance to paddle through a maze of trees.  

Usually a drawdown within few feet of the full level won’t cause a detraction from the paddling experience.  But when the water levels recede beyond several feet from full, the impact to aesthetic becomes more noticeable.  Some reservoir operators post their current water levels and, when available, it’s good to check this information before heading out.  

Many natural lakes and some reservoirs, such as Shadow Mountain Lake, have only minor or negligible fluctuations in water level throughout the course of the season.  Other bodies of water—particularly in steep-walled canyon or desert areas—offer a good quality paddling experience at a wide range of water levels.  These areas may be good alternatives in the late season to lakes that have experienced significant drawdown.  

Paddle locations on the interactive SUP Map denotes full water level elevations and links to sites displaying current levels where available.