(PUEBLO, Colo.) — While some may be tempted to say there are tides in Lake Pueblo, there is actually no such thing at the reservoir.
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. They are long-period waves that move through the ocean in response to the forces exerted by both the sun and the moon. Although they happen in bodies of water, they cannot happen in lakes due to size, as they are much smaller than oceans.
The Pueblo reservoir is 4,600 surface acres of water and about 60 miles of shoreline. While large, it is not considered a great lake, and the Arkansas River feeds into it. As the temperatures begin to rise, recreationists have begun to partake in water activities at the lake such as swimming, fishing, and more.
The season has prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to remind those who head down to the lake to exercise caution while in the water and wear flotation devices.
So, what exactly affects swimability in Lake Pueblo? One main component is the flow of water. The Arkansas River and the Pueblo Dam regulate the reservoir’s flow. In 2024, activities were restricted on the Arkansas River due to the intensity of the flows.
While activities are not restricted this year, CPW noted that flows in the Arkansas River can affect the water at the reservoir. Most recently, FOX21 News’ camera crew caught a rescue in Pueblo when their tube flipped at the Waterworks Park, which also feeds from the Arkansas River, due to the intense flows.
WATCH: Family rescued from the Arkansas River
“Nobody should be in the water today, especially with the flows that we have today,” Pueblo Fire Department Public Information Officer Tim Trujillo told FOX21 News at the time.
In addition to the flow of water, CPW said temperatures can also affect swimability in the reservoir.
“This month, in particular, it’s essential to note that the water is cold due to snow runoff,” said Bridget O’Rourke with CPW. “Additionally, the lake is deep and not like an ocean or a pool, where you can touch the bottom.”
While the area around the reservoir is hot, CPW said it is actually very cold underneath. The shock of the water can cause a person’s muscles to cramp, which can make it difficult to swim. If a person’s boat overturns, it can be hard to get back to shore.
Over the past five years, there has been at least one water-related death each year in the reservoir. This year, there have been four deaths.
CPW urged individuals to be safe in the water. In Lake Pueblo, there are life jacket loaner stations located at the South Fishing area and the Sailboard area. They are free to borrow and return.
When swimming at the reservoir, there are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.
