Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project

The Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project is a collaboration between 12 Northeastern Colorado water providers to improve the reliability of, or make firm, water supplies from the Windy Gap Project. Chimney Hollow Reservoir will be located just west of Carter Lake in Larimer County to provide dedicated storage to supply a reliable 30,000 acre-feet of water each year for future generations.  

Icon of waves.

Provides storage for 30,000 acre-feet of existing water rights associated with the Windy Gap Project

Icon with mountain road and trees.

Provides environmental benefits to Colorado's rivers and streams through various commitments

Icon of person hiking.

Enhances recreation opportunities to encourage healthy, outdoor lifestyles for residents

Icon of water drops.

Helps meet an increased demand for water in Northern Colorado communities

Chimney Hollow Reservoir logo with valley in background.

Chimney Hollow Reservoir Nears First Fill Operations

Beginning in August, crews will start to direct water through the valve house at the base of Chimney Hollow Dam and into the inlet-outlet structure at the bottom of the reservoir.

Windy Gap Pump Plant with Windy Gap Reservoir in the foreground.

Chimney Hollow Reservoir: How It Works

At its heart, Chimney Hollow Reservoir will do what Coloradans have perfected over nearly 150 years of statehood: retime water from when it is available to when it is needed.

Chimney Hollow Reservoir logo with valley in background.

Inlet/Outlet Tower Complete

Crews completed a project milestone in late April, placing the final concrete lift on the inlet/outlet tower.