Frank B. Watters Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Frank B.


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Summary

Watters is a privately owned dam located in Hinsdale, Colorado, on the Lake Fork Gunnison River. Built in 1966, this Earth type dam stands at 22 feet tall and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 24 acres and a storage capacity of 287 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and has a low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of 2008.

With a structural height of 23 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, Frank B. Watters provides a serene recreational spot for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, features slide and uncontrolled outlet gates. Although the dam has not been modified over the years, it undergoes inspections every six years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Despite its low hazard potential, Frank B. Watters poses a high risk due to its location and storage capacity. The dam, situated in the Albuquerque District, does not have spillways and has a maximum discharge of 25 cubic feet per second. With a risk management plan yet to be detailed, the dam remains a captivating site for those interested in water resource management and climate impacts on recreational structures.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

2190

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

LAKE FORK GUNNISON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

287

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.