Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir Water Level
Colorado · updated daily from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
9629.90 ft
Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir is low for this time of year and falling (-6.38 ft in the last 7 days).
Change since yesterday: +0.55 ft
Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 11% of August readings on record
Where Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir sits historically
Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.5-year record for this lake.
Since yesterday
+0.55 ft
7-day change
-6.38 ft
30-day change
-0.27 ft
1-year change
-5.66 ft
Last 30 days
Last 12 months
Full history (5.5 years)
Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir records and averages
| Current level | 9629.90 ft |
|---|---|
| Record high | 9643.44 ft (2026-01-04) |
| Record low | 0.0 ft (2021-10-23) |
| Average of all readings | 9622.6 ft |
| Data span | 5.5 years (2,000 readings) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir full right now?
As of 2026-08-14, Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir sits at 9629.90 ft, which is low for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 0.27 ft.
What is the water level at Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir today?
The most recent reading is 9629.90 ft (2026-08-14), sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.
What is the highest Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir has ever been?
The highest level in our records is 9643.44 ft on 2026-01-04. The lowest is 0.0 ft on 2021-10-23. Our record covers about 5.5 years of readings.
Is Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir low for this time of year?
Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 11% of them — low for this time of year. Seasonal comparison matters more than the raw number, because most reservoirs draw down predictably through late summer and refill over winter and spring.
Why is Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir low right now?
Reservoir levels move for four main reasons: rainfall and runoff into the basin, releases through the dam for downstream water supply, power generation or flood control, evaporation during hot months, and seasonal drawdown schedules set by the operating agency. Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir has fallen 0.27 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directly.
How much has Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir changed over the past year?
The level is -5.66 ft compared with this date last year (9629.90 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.5 years, with a record high of 9643.44 ft and a record low of 0.0 ft.
Nearby lakes in Colorado
Source: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All Colorado lake levels.