Williams Fork Main Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Williams Fork Main is a concrete dam located in Parshall, Colorado, along the Williams Fork River.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this structure serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 209 feet and a storage capacity of 96,800 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Williams Fork Main is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 7811 feet and three Tainter (radial) outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is currently unavailable, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Williams Fork Main is a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to fulfill various needs while navigating the challenges of potential hazards and regulatory requirements. Its location in Grand County, Colorado, and its role in water supply make it a critical piece of the region's hydrological landscape, demonstrating the complex interplay between human engineering and natural resources in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

674

Dam Height

209

River Or Stream

Williams Fork River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1700

Hydraulic Height

175.8

Drainage Area

230

Nid Storage

96800

Structural Height

209

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

209
       
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.