The Silt Water Conservancy District is postponing its plans to drain Harvey Gap Reservoir, following a partial road collapse south of the reservoir earlier this week.

Consequently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Thursday it has canceled an emergency fish salvage that was intended to remove as many fish as possible in preparation for the draining of the reservoir this fall.

Harvey Gap Road, Country Road 237, was closed Sunday after part of the northbound lane collapsed. The road, north of Silt, remains closed indefinitely and the cause of the collapse is still under investigation, however, water district officials indicated the road troubles were not linked to the plans to drain the reservoir, according to a press release from Garfield County.

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A hole roughly twice the width of the road developed after a rainstorm Saturday. The growing gully left a section of asphalt hanging above it, according to the county.

One-third of the northbound lane collapsed and cracks in the remaining pavement are growing.

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Although Harvey Gap Reservoir is a popular destination for anglers and others, the reservoir is primarily an irrigation water source for local landowners. Since the collapse of the road, the district has suspended deliveries to irrigators, according to the county.

Engineers with the water district are attempting to find methods for delivering irrigation water to shareholders.

CPW implemented its emergency fishing salvage last week following the water district’s announcement that it intended to drain the reservoir for inspection of a dam structure.

The lifting of the salvage means all restrictions and regulations at Harvey Gap are back in place.

The district now intends to drain the reservoir next year, according to Thursday’s press release from the county.

There is no timetable for when Harvey Gap Road could be reopened. It is currently barricaded between Odin Drive and the swimming beach at Harvey Gap, and the county discouraged pedestrians from traveling on the stretch of road as well.

All motorists should use an alternative route along Grass Valley Road west from New Castle or east from Rifle to reach Harvey Gap.