Lake Granby Experiences Latest Freeze On Record

DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado's second largest body of water is typically frozen solid and a popular destination for ice fishing by late fall, but something unusual happened this year.

The lake wasn't declared fully frozen until Dec. 31.

Lake Granby sits over 8,000 feet above sea level about two hours west of Denver.

One reason attributed to the late ice over is the mild weather experienced in late fall.

But temperatures have been getting very cold on a consistent basis in recent days.

A nearby CBS4 Weather Watcher recorded an overnight low of -22°F on December 30th and -24°F on the 31st.

Another reason that likely contributed to the latest freeze on record is Lake Granby is currently experiencing unusually high water levels for so late in the season.

The lake is only 2.5 feet from being full.

Brian Werner, with The Northern Colorado Water Conservation District, says an abundant amount of moisture in recent months and low demand from water users along the Front Range has their water storage system near capacity.

It's unclear if the late freezing of the lake will have any impact on the 27th annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Tournament scheduled for Jan. 23-25.