Beaver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Beaver Lake in Gunnison, Colorado, is a federally-owned recreational reservoir built in 1965 by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 20 feet high, with a storage capacity of up to 75 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. The lake, fed by a branch of the Cimarron River, offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Beaver Lake is marked as a state-regulated water resource, subject to regular inspections and enforcement by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. With a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second, the reservoir is equipped to handle excess water flow. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unrated, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed, suggesting precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Beaver Lake serves as a vital recreational site within the Albuquerque District, attracting visitors to its tranquil waters and surrounding natural beauty. Managed and maintained by the Forest Service, the reservoir offers a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the harmonious coexistence of human development and environmental conservation in this picturesque corner of Colorado.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

85

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BRANCH OF CIMARRON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.