FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) – Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins is expected to be full this week for the first time since 2004, thanks to deep mountain snow and heavy rains.

The snowmelt has put more water in the reservoir than usual. Rain has held down the need for irrigating, so farmers are drawing less water than normal.

Brian Werner of the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District tells the Fort Collins Coloradoan the water is projected to reach the full level by week’s end.

Horsetooth provides water to Fort Collins and other communities, irrigation systems and industries. It’s owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and operated by the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District.

The district says the reservoir draws more than 500,000 visitors a year for fishing, boating, camping, hiking and picnicking.

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