Rampart Reservoir

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Rampart Reservoir
Aerial view
Rampart Reservoir Rampart Reservoir Show map of ColoradoShow map of the United StatesShow all
Location	Pike National Forest, El Paso County, Colorado, United States
Coordinates	38°58′30″N 104°57′40″W / 38.975°N 104.9611°W / 38.975; -104.9611Coordinates: 38°58′30″N 104°57′40″W / 38.975°N 104.9611°W / 38.975; -104.9611
Type	reservoir
Basin countries	United States
Water volume	13,000,000,000 US gal (0.049 km3)
Surface elevation	9,000 ft (2,700 m)

Rampart Reservoir or Rampart Range Reservoir is a reservoir northwest of the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado in Pike National Forest. The reservoir is located on a granite plateau approximately 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level, and consists of a body of water with a capacity of 13,000,000,000 US gallons (49,000,000 m³). This water supplies the domestic drinking water for the city of Colorado Springs, and because of this fact, access to the area was briefly limited after the September 11 attacks on the United States. The area today is a popular recreation area for boaters, mountain bikers, and hikers.

Planning for construction of the reservoir began in the 1960s in recognition of the growing population of south-central Colorado and its increasing need for drinking water. In 1967, the city of Colorado Springs voted that the planned reservoir would eventually be opened for public recreation after construction of the necessary facilities. In 1969, the reservoir's dam was built, stretching 3,400 feet (1,000 m) long and 230 feet (70 m) high. Five years after its completion, the dam was completely filled and opened to the public as a recreation area. The reservoir has been stocked with fish by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, which continues to do so today.

Rampart Reservoir closed on June 23, 2012 due to the Waldo Canyon fire. The reservoir was reopened for limited access (no boats) on Friday, May 24, 2013.

References[]

• U.S. Forest Service. "Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area", Fs.fed.us. Accessed June 1, 2015.
• S. McLeod - Resident in the lake area and lifetime fishermen Pike National Forest Access and Use GuideCity of Colorado Springs UtilitiesUS Forrest Service Guide to the Pikes Peak Region