Low Water Levels Expose Old Highway in Dillon Reservoir

Receding waters at the Colorado reservoir have revealed a segment of a highway submerged for over six decades.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Current Conditions

A weathered, cracked asphalt road section emerges from the receding waters of a mountain reservoir against a backdrop of rocky peaks. — Record-low mountain snowpack has left Dillon Reservoir at 58% capacity, revealing a section of old U.S. Highway 6 submerged since 1963. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for your community to adopt stricter water conservation measures?

Declining water levels at Dillon Reservoir have surfaced a long-submerged section of old U.S. Highway 6. The road, which once connected Frisco to the former town of Dillon, has been underwater since the reservoir began filling in 1963.

Why it matters

The reveal follows a period of extreme water scarcity driven by record-low mountain snowpack during the 2025-26 winter. Low snowmelt failed to replenish the reservoir, leaving current water levels at 58% of capacity.

Dillon Reservoir currently sits at 58% of its capacity, a significant drop from its seasonal peak of 80% reached in June 2026. Across the state, 61% of Colorado is experiencing drought conditions, with 18% classified in extreme drought.

The players

Denver Water

This public agency manages the water supply for the Denver metropolitan area and is responsible for the construction and operation of Dillon Reservoir.

Colorado Climate Center

This institution monitors weather and climate data for the state and provided the official documentation regarding the record-low 2025-26 mountain snowpack.

The details

Denver Water relocated town landmarks and residents decades ago to construct the reservoir, which now serves as a major regional water source. State snowpack peaked at just 50% of the historical average during the last winter season, severely limiting the inflows needed to maintain capacity.

1963: The Dillon Reservoir began filling operations.
Winter 2025-26: Colorado recorded its lowest mountain snowpack in history.
June 2026: Dillon Reservoir reached its seasonal peak capacity of 80%.
October 2026: The old U.S. Highway 6 became visible above the waterline.

Seasonal Patterns

The exposure of old U.S. Highway 6 marks a departure from the water levels maintained since the 1963 construction and filling of Dillon Reservoir. This event reflects broader shifts in extreme weather frequency, mirroring the historic low mountain snowpack recorded in the 2025-26 winter.

Residents should monitor local water district advisories for potential usage restrictions as reservoir levels continue to fall. Travelers visiting the Summit County area are advised to use caution if exploring near the exposed shoreline due to potential unstable ground.

The takeaway

The visibility of this historic infrastructure serves as a visual indicator of the state's significant water deficit. Residents are encouraged to review local water conservation guidelines to help preserve remaining resources throughout the upcoming season.