The Two Buttes Reservoir, a significant recreational area in southeast Colorado, has entirely dried up. All that remains in the empty basin are scattered remnants of past activity, including lifeless buoys, a rusty lawn chair, empty beer cans, and discarded fishing lures.

The Disappearance of a Regional Oasis

Located in the extreme southeast corner of Colorado, situated between Lamar and Springfield, the 700-acre reservoir served as a vital recreational oasis on the plains. Jim Ramsay, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) aquatic biologist for the region, noted the severity of the change.

Impact on Recreation and Boating

Ramsay explained that where they were standing was normally about 25 feet of water when the lake was full. "Down here in southeast Colorado, there aren't very many places to go fishing, boating, and recreating," Ramsay stated. "So, when this lake fills up, it's a big deal for the local communities."

While Two Buttes does not function as a local water supply, its economic impact is considerable. Ramsay confirmed that the reservoir boosts the local economy by attracting visitors from the Front Range, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Factors Leading to the Dry Spell

Ramsay has witnessed the reservoir dry out three times during his 20 years as an aquatic biologist in the area. This recent occurrence was intensified by the region's extended drought conditions, compounded by Colorado's record-warm winter and historically low snowpack.

The reservoir relies on an intermittent stream for replenishment, which only flows after significant storm events. Ramsay noted that the drainage system is narrow, requiring storms to hit the area precisely and deliver substantial precipitation to generate runoff.

Historical Water Levels and Salvage Efforts

Ramsay recalled that in 2013, the reservoir was completely dry but refilled to 30 feet within a week following major storms and flooding. That water persisted for approximately eight years before the current dry period began, with the last significant influx occurring three or four years ago.

Ramsay acknowledged their dependence on natural weather patterns: "If we could get a fresh storm every year that would just run water in here, we could keep this lake going. But unfortunately, we're at the mercy of Mother Nature when it comes to that."

Due to declining water levels and the low probability of rain, CPW enacted an emergency fish salvage order for Two Buttes in late October. This measure allows anglers to take game fish under relaxed regulations to prevent mass die-offs.

The salvage order concluded last week, as it is no longer necessary since the water has completely vanished. If refilled, Two Buttes has the potential to become one of Colorado's premier warmwater fisheries, known for producing strong populations of largemouth bass, wipers, saugeye, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie.

Conservation Efforts Amid Uncertainty

In a surprising contrast, the Black Hole Pond, located just across the earthen dam, still maintains adequate water levels and continues to offer fishing opportunities. A fisherman traveling from Oklahoma to Aurora stopped there after being recommended the area, only to inquire about the fate of Two Buttes.

While awaiting potential future storms, CPW is actively managing the dry lake bed. Recently, the agency used an airplane to drop seeds across the exposed area.

Ramsay explained the purpose of this proactive measure: "In absence of water, we can grow some grasses and forbs and some vegetation that benefits the terrestrial wildlife that inhabit the area." He added that the resulting plants will benefit local deer, pheasants, and quail.