Northern Colorado lake closed 2026

The Town of Windsor has suspended motorized boating at Windsor Lake for the 2026 season after concluding that projected water levels will make the lake unsafe for powered craft. The town said on May 4 that it would stop issuing motorized boating permits because low water depth could create navigation hazards, increase the risk of vessel damage and injury, and add stress to the shoreline and local ecosystem. Windsor Lake is still full now, according to town officials, but they say that will change as water is released downstream for irrigation and other uses. The closure applies to motorized boating for the 2026 season, while non-motorized access remains open under existing permit rules. ### If the lake looks full now, why did Windsor shut down motorized boating? Windsor officials said the decision was based on projected conditions later in the season, not the lake’s current appearance. CBS Colorado reported that town staff expect water levels to decline quickly because more water is forecast to leave the reservoir than enter it during the rest of the irrigation season. (windsorgov.com) Leif Lesoing, Windsor’s water resource manager, told CBS that the water now visible near the top of the reservoir is not expected to stay there through summer. He said Windsor Lake operates with the New Cache La Poudre Irrigation Company and is used to help equalize ditch deliveries and make replacements for augmentation and return flows. (cbsnews.com) ### What exactly is banned for 2026? The town’s May 4 notice said motorized boating permits “are no longer being issued” for the 2026 summer season because of low water levels. Windsor’s recreation page also says motorized boating and sail boating will not be permitted because of current low levels and forecasts for continued declines through the season. Kendra Martin, Windsor’s operations and facilities manager, told CBS Colorado that staff did not think it was safe “to have any kind of motorized boating” given the uncertainty around lake levels. (cbsnews.com) Town officials said the boat ramp would not be safe for motorized operations if the reservoir continues dropping as projected. (windsorgov.com) ### What can people still do at Windsor Lake? Non-motorized recreation remains available. The town said paddleboarding, kayaking, equipment rentals and access to the designated swimming area will continue, with staff on site through the summer. Windsor’s boating permit page says non-motorized boats can use the lake year-round from sunrise to sunset when ice is not present, and that permits are still required for watercraft outside the swim beach. (cbsnews.com) The town’s definition of non-motorized boating includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and some low-power trolling-motor use in a non-motorized capacity. (windsorgov.com) ### Why is Windsor Lake tied to irrigation deliveries? Lesoing told CBS Colorado that Windsor Lake is part of a working water system, not only a recreation site. He said the reservoir is operated with the New Cache La Poudre Irrigation Company and is used every day during the season to make irrigation-related deliveries and replacements. (recreationliveshere.com) The town’s explanation lines up with its safety notice, which says low depth can make boating hazardous and that reduced water volume can worsen the effects of boat wake and engine activity along the shoreline. ### Where will Windsor post the next update? Windsor said staff will monitor water levels throughout the 2026 season and share updates as conditions change. (cbsnews.com) The town directed residents to its Windsor Lake information pages and permit pages for current rules and access details. (windsorgov.com)