Beaver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaver Lake, located in Gunnison, Colorado, is a state-regulated water resource managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962, this Earth dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a surface area of 27 acres. The dam stands at a height of 8 feet, with a spillway width of 24 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second.

Managed by CDOW and USDA NRCS, Beaver Lake provides vital habitat for fish and wildlife in the area, making it a key asset for conservation efforts. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is deemed to have moderate risk management measures in place. Despite its relatively small size, Beaver Lake plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and maintaining water resources in the region, making it a significant location for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and observe.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

CRYSTAL RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

6

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.