Aging gracefully doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t need some restorative work done from time to time.
Crystal Creek Reservoir - one of our most popular recreational reservoirs on Pikes Peak - is undergoing needed maintenance and repair to its dam this year. The work includes resurfacing the 85-year-old steel face of the dam, which will be done during the warmer months (June-October) and will require one-lane closures on the section of Pikes Peak Highway that crosses the dam. Travelers on the highway are asked to respect traffic and construction signage and
anticipate wait times if they are trying to reach the summit during weekdays.
“The contractor will do their best to keep it to weekdays, barring any weather-related delays that could impact the schedule,” said engineer and dam specialist Brian McCormick.
The reservoir was drawn down in anticipation of the work, the entirety of which will last through December. It is closed to boating and shoreline fishing during this maintenance period, although designated area trails remain accessible.
The reservoir was partially drained in 2019 in anticipation of the project occurring in 2020, but pandemic-related considerations caused it to be rescheduled to this year. The reservoir is expected to be refilled and restocked next spring for the 2022 season.
Crystal Creek, South Catamount and North Catamount comprise the reservoirs in our North Slope system on Pikes Peak; the North and South Catamounts remain open for fishing and recreation. Crystal Creek provides about 1/6 of the drinking water storage capacity for that system, but our other reservoirs can provide adequate storage during this time.
Crystal Creek Reservoir was constructed in 1935 and features a steel face that is found in only five other dams in the state. The steel must be resurfaced periodically, which is part of the work being done this year. The structural integrity of the dam remains intact.
Visit the project web page to stay up to date on progress.
