Monument Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Monument, located in Gunnison, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam on Minnesota Creek-TR that has been in operation since 1889.


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Summary

With a height of 51 feet and a storage capacity of 632 acre-feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area. The dam has a structural height of 76 feet and a spillway width of 13 feet, with a maximum discharge of 518 cubic feet per second.

Despite being privately owned, Monument is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity, but it is currently rated in fair condition following the latest inspection in June 2020. While the dam does not have a formal Emergency Action Plan in place, it meets state permitting and inspection requirements, providing reassurance for the local community in the event of an emergency. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Monument represents a historic and vital piece of infrastructure that continues to play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.

Year Completed

1889

Dam Length

422

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

76

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

632

Structural Height

76

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled, Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

76
       
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.