Marcot Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marcot Park, also known as Green Back Grave, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Cedaredge, Delta County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a storage capacity of 648 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of irrigation. With a surface area of 43 acres and a drainage area of 3 square miles, the dam on the Surface Creek-TR river system plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Marcot Park dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. The dam lacks a spillway and features slide and uncontrolled outlet gates, making it essential for ongoing risk assessment and management measures to prevent potential emergencies. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness and adherence to guidelines for the dam's operation.

With a high risk rating and a history of periodic inspections, Marcot Park dam remains a critical infrastructure for irrigation in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, enthusiasts and stakeholders must closely monitor and support the maintenance and management of dams like Marcot Park to ensure the sustainable utilization of water for agricultural purposes and environmental conservation in Colorado.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

815

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

SURFACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

43

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

648

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.