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• May 8, 2008 7:48 am US/Mountain
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  Lake Dillon Water Release Means Early Rafting

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Lake Dillon Water Release Means Early Rafting

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. (CBS4) ― Denver Water is releasing water from Lake Dillon to make room for the expected snowmelt over the next few weeks. The hope is to try and reduce the chances of any flooding downstream in Silverthorne.

Denver Water has been steadily releasing more and more water from Lake Dillon since February. The agency only does that when there's a substantial amount of snowpack like there was this winter.

Normally, Denver Water lets the lake fill up and spill over naturally.

The snowmelt is expected to bring above average flows, which have already been seen at lower elevations where the melting has started.

The increased flows into the Blue River downstream mean rafters and kayakers have already been enjoying the rapids. The early start means they're anticipating a good year.

"We're already at raftable flows on the Blue which is unusual for this time of year on the Blue River," said Johnny Cantamessa of Good Times Rafting.

A recent statewide survey found that reservoirs across Colorado were almost already 100 percent full. Together, they're at 95 percent of capacity.

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