The Reallocation Project would destroy much of Chatfield State Park’s riparian forest. Water levels in Chatfield Reservoir would reach or exceed the target level (5444 ft.) about a sixth of the time; water would cover low-lying areas cleared of forests and some of the remaining forests at higher elevations. Another sixth of the time, water levels would be close to or lower than the current target level (5432 ft.); mudflats would cover the low-lying areas now covered by forests. The rest of the time, water levels would fluctuate between these two extremes.

Images on this page show current conditions and attempt to show what the same areas might look like at low and high water levels. There are four images for each case: a small map with red lines that approximate the camera’s view, an original photo, and simulated images of what a post-reallocation photos might look like at low and high water levels. Stakes in photographs and simulated images indicate the proposed target water level. During periods of flooding, water levels could be higher.

Plum Creek Area

 Heronry Overlook

Looking East from Perimeter Road