Wagon Tongue Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wagon Tongue, also known as Playmann Lake, is a private recreational reservoir located in Park County, Colorado.


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Summary

This earth dam was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 32 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Wagon Tongue Gulch, serves primarily for recreation purposes and has a surface area of 16 acres, offering a tranquil setting for outdoor activities.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Wagon Tongue is regulated by the Department of Water Resources in Colorado. The dam has a spillway width of 21 feet and a maximum discharge of 2748 cubic feet per second, ensuring proper water management in the event of overflow. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in October 2020, to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

Overall, Wagon Tongue is a vital water resource for the area, providing not only recreational opportunities but also serving as a key component of water management in Colorado. As a private dam under state regulation, it continues to play a significant role in maintaining water quality and availability in the region while also offering a picturesque destination for visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

WAGON TONGUE GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.