Stunning satellite images reveal Colorado lake dramatically shrinking amid severe drought
Satellite imagery released by Vantor, shows the dramatic changes to the reservoir over time, with Lake Dillon appearing smaller between 2019 and 2026 compared to imagery from 2016 to 2019.
Before and After: Drought impact on Colorado's Lake Dillon
New satellite imagery shows the impact of drought on Lake Dillon near Silverthorne, Colorado. The reservoir’s low water levels have exposed a stretch of Old Highway 6 that is typically submerged. Compare the latest view from Nov. 5 with imagery from September 2019, when the reservoir was largely full. Image: @vantortech
THE TAKEAWAY:
- Lake Dillon is showing effects of persistent drought conditions.
- Satellite imagery released by Vantor, shows the dramatic changes to the reservoir over time.
- In November, Denver Water reported Lake Dillon had fallen to just 60% of its total capacity.
Lake Dillon, a major water source for Colorado's Front Range, is showing the effects of persistent drought conditions, with water levels dropping and the reservoir's shoreline retreating.
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The shrinking reservoir is raising concerns as Colorado continues to grapple with dry conditions.
Satellite imagery released by Vantor, shows the dramatic changes to the reservoir over time, with Lake Dillon appearing smaller between 2019 and 2026 compared to imagery from 2016 to 2019.
Satellite imagery captured in November 2026 reveals the exposed stretch of Old Highway 6 beneath Lake Dillon as water levels receded. (Satellite image ©2026 Vantor / FOX Weather)
The footage also reveals a striking change in the surrounding landscape. Areas that appeared green and lush in imagery from 2016 through 2019 have become noticeably browner and more exposed in the more recent satellite images.
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According to Denver Water, Lake Dillon’s water levels have fallen significantly in 2026.
In August, Lake Dillon was 73% full of its total capacity.
Satellite imagery captured in September 2019 shows water covering Old Highway 6 beneath Lake Dillon. (Satellite image ©2026 Vantor / FOX Weather)
The decline continued in the fall as record-low streamflows, high temperatures and increased water demand compounded Colorado's drought conditions.
Then by September 2026, the lake had fallen to roughly two-thirds of its capacity, well below its typical levels for that time of year.
Satellite imagery captured in November 2026 highlights the impacts of ongoing drought conditions on Lake Dillon. (Satellite image ©2026 Vantor / FOX Weather)
The organization reported on Oct. 1 that the reservoir was 34 feet below its normal level.
By November, Lake Dillon had fallen to just 60% of its total capacity amid Colorado's ongoing drought.
Meanwhile, Lake Dillon was 100% full in 2019 and in 2017.
Satellite imagery captured in September 2019 show Lake Dillon 100% full. (Satellite image ©2026 Vantor / FOX Weather)
The drought affecting Colorado is part of a larger water-supply crisis across the Colorado River Basin, which has experienced its lowest 16-year period of inflow in more than a century, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
However, due to the upcoming Super El Niño, experts believe that weather pattern could bring more precipitation to the region. This could help with the ongoing drought.