Blue Mesa is a significant water resource located in Gunnison, Colorado, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation. The dam, completed in 1965, is an earth-filled structure standing at 390 feet high and spanning 785 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 940,700 acre-feet and covers an impressive surface area of 9,180 acres, drawing water from the Gunnison River.

With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Blue Mesa Dam is carefully regulated and inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet and multiple outlet gates for effective water management. The surrounding area offers a range of recreational activities, making it a popular destination for water and climate enthusiasts alike.

Visitors to Blue Mesa can appreciate the engineering marvel of the dam while enjoying the natural beauty of the Gunnison River and the expansive reservoir it creates. As a vital component of Colorado's water infrastructure, Blue Mesa serves multiple purposes while contributing to the region's water supply, energy generation, and agricultural needs.