Beaver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaver, also known as Enlargement #1 or Beaver Dam, is a privately owned water structure located in Paonia, Colorado.


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Summary

This earth-type dam, completed in 1958, primarily serves irrigation purposes for the surrounding area. With a height of 100 feet and a hydraulic height of 113 feet, Beaver has a storage capacity of 1,850 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 36 acres.

Situated on Minnesota Creek-TR in Gunnison County, Beaver poses a high hazard potential due to its fair condition assessment. Despite being regulated by the State of Colorado's Department of Water Resources, the dam lacks a spillway and relies on slide gates for water release. The inspection frequency is set at once per year, with the last assessment conducted in August 2020. Emergency action plans are in place, although their last revision dates back to June 2015.

Given its importance for irrigation and potential risks associated with its condition, Beaver serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region. The dam's location in a scenic area, combined with its historical significance and ongoing management challenges, make it a compelling case study for those interested in sustainable water infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1670

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

113

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

1850

Structural Height

113

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

113
       
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.