Fruita #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fruita #1 is a significant earth dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Grand Junction.


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Summary

Built in 1949 by Drexel, Barrell & Co., this dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet. Situated on North East Creek, Fruita #1 stands at a height of 47 feet, with a structural height of 50 feet and a length of 600 feet. The dam's condition is currently assessed as fair, with a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the local government, Fruita #1 is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates for water release. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is deemed to have a certain level of risk associated with its operations. Despite its age, Fruita #1 continues to play a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding area, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

NORTH EAST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

47

Nid Storage

246

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled, Valve

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.