A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
While the Roaring Fork Valley floor was enjoying an early taste of summer with warm temps and mostly sunny skies on Friday, April 12, Ruedi Reservoir was a scene of late-winter serenity.
Located up the Frying Pan Road a short drive from downtown Basalt, the reservoir sits at 7,766 feet and is a vital provider of water and electricity for much of the region, including Aspen. During the summer, it provides ample recreational opportunities, notably for boaters.
However, Old Man Winter still has a firm grasp on the popular spot. Snow surrounds its shores and most of the reservoir’s surface remains icy, creating a crystal-like painting of a world a long way from the lively spring affair going on at lower elevations.
Photos by Austin Colbert for the Aspen Times.
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A close up of the partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A long lost pair of sunglasses is caked in mud at the Freeman Mesa Day Use Area on Friday, April 12, 2024, alongside Ruedi Reservoir.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Melting ice creates cracks in the drying mud at the Freeman Mesa Day Use Area on Friday, April 12, 2024, alongside Ruedi Reservoir.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A falcon flies above a partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A partially frozen Ruedi Reservoir as seen on Friday, April 12, 2024, near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Skiers and snowboarders took part in the annual pond skimming extravaganza during the Elk Camp Surf & Snow Beach Party on Saturday at Snowmass Ski Area.
