Bald Mountain Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bald Mountain, also known as Baldy, is a privately owned dam located in Gunnison County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. The dam has a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

The dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory with a low hazard potential, but a high risk assessment due to its location and design. The last inspection was conducted in September 2011, with regular inspections scheduled every 6 years. Despite its age, the dam continues to operate effectively, with an outlet consisting of slide gates and an uncontrolled spillway. While the risk level is monitored closely, the dam remains a vital resource for water management in the region.

Situated along Crystal Creek, the Bald Mountain dam plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation in the area. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam has stood the test of time and continues to provide reliable water storage for agricultural needs. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Bald Mountain will play an increasingly important role in ensuring water security for the community.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

473

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

CRYSTAL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

174

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.