Roatcap Wash Watershed Rw-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Roatcap Wash Watershed Rw-1, located in Montrose, Colorado, is a critical water resource managed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The earth dam, standing at 48 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 33 feet, was constructed in 1964 to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a normal storage capacity of 790 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1530 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow in the region.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 73 feet, and it is equipped with slide gates and uncontrolled outlets. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2019 was deemed satisfactory. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the dam's structural integrity and functionality are upheld. The risk assessment for Roatcap Wash Watershed Rw-1 is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, but with proper risk management measures in place, the community's safety and water resources are well-protected.

Overall, Roatcap Wash Watershed Rw-1 serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management in the area, contributing to flood risk reduction and ensuring the safety of residents in Montrose, Colorado. With its strategic location along the Uncompahgre River, this dam plays a key role in maintaining water flow and mitigating potential hazards. Through ongoing monitoring and upkeep, Roatcap Wash Watershed Rw-1 continues to be a reliable resource in safeguarding the environment and local communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and flooding.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1118

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER,TR&SP-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

1053

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.