Taylor Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Taylor Park, located in Gunnison, Colorado, is a federally owned water resource managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this Earth dam, completed in 1937, is irrigation, serving the Taylor River with a storage capacity of 118,801 acre-feet. With a structural height of 206 feet and a spillway width of 180 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region.

Despite its age, Taylor Park Dam is well-regulated and inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation, with a high hazard potential due to its proximity to populated areas. The dam has a risk assessment rating of 2, indicating a high level of risk management measures in place. While the condition assessment is not currently available, emergency action plans are in place to ensure the safety of downstream communities in the event of a breach. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Taylor Park Dam to be a fascinating example of historical engineering meeting modern regulatory standards.

Overall, Taylor Park represents a significant water infrastructure project in Colorado, showcasing the intersection of federal ownership, state regulation, and environmental stewardship. With its impressive storage capacity, strategic location, and ongoing risk management efforts, Taylor Park Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

161

River Or Stream

TAYLOR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2159

Hydraulic Height

158

Drainage Area

254

Nid Storage

118801

Structural Height

206

Outlet Gates

Needle, Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

206
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.