Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, Denver Water will begin a subsurface investigation that will involve drilling operations close to Osprey Point.

July 29, 2020 - A year ago, Denver Water submitted an application with Boulder County to begin the 1041 process related to the Gross Reservoir expansion. At the same time, we sought clarity in the courts on whether the expansion was subject to that process. Boulder County, however, notified Denver Water it would not process its 1041 application as long as the utility was challenging its jurisdiction in court.

Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Denver Water to proceed with design and construction to expand Gross Reservoir in Boulder County.

Have you heard that the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project now offers virtual one-on-one appointments? Due to continued social distancing guidelines, we are not able to host our regular office hours at our public information yurt this year. However, we would still love to hear from the community and share the latest information through these virtual meetings. You can mention specific topics you would like to discuss during the meeting and our project representatives will have materials available to share with you virtually.

Beginning May 25, Lamb-Star Engineering, LLC, through a subcontract with Stantec and Denver Water, as part of Stantec’s work on roadway design for safety improvements of Gross Dam Road will be completing utility location surveys along Gross Dam Road. This work will take place along the public right-of-way from Gross Reservoir to the intersection of Gross Dam Road and State Highway 72. If you see crews working in the area, please use caution and keep a safe distance. This work will not close or disrupt the flow of traffic on Gross Dam Road.

Gross Reservoir opens for boating Friday, May 22, and recreation managers want visitors to be aware of the potential for crowds, slow traffic, lower water levels and parking challenges.

The reservoir, southwest of Boulder, is popular with kayakers and others using small, non-motorized car-top watercraft launching from Osprey Point boat launch. Officials say there is a potential for larger numbers on Memorial Day weekend because of COVID-19.

Access to trails, viewpoints and shorelines on the south side of Gross Reservoir will be closed on weekdays between Monday, April 27, and Friday, May 8, for watershed protection activities in coordination with the Colorado State Forest Service.

The determination from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service doesn’t change Denver Water’s commitment to protecting the environment as we move forward with this critical project.

Denver Water is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and the potential impacts to the upcoming boating season opening date. At this time it is too early for us to make a determination on any changes to the start of boating season. As soon as we have a better idea on what the boating season will look like we will update grossreservoir.org. We have added a banner to this website to allow the public to clearly monitor the status of recreation at Gross Reservoir. Please continue to check back as the boating season gets closer.