PIKES PEAK – The popular Crystal Creek Reservoir on the North Slope of Pikes Peak is on a fast track to empty. “Got to get that water off the face of it so we can better inspect it and really assess it,” said Colorado Springs Utilities, Field Operations Manager, Andy Funchess. The dam is 85 years old and it is time for major maintenance work.
All of the trout in the reservoir will not survive, so before the water is gone Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officers are enacting an emergency fish salvage plan “What I would call, catch and take,” said Pikes Peak America’s Mountain Manager, Jack Glaven, “So no limits, you have to have a legal fishing license, but you’ll be able to take anything you catch.” Fishing season in the recreation area starts May 1st when the mountain opens to visitors in the morning.
Depending on runoff the reservoir should be dry by July. Engineers will then assess what work is necessary and start working on a plan. Work will happen the summer of 2020. IF all goes as planned, 2021 is when the reservoir will be refilled.
