Garnet Mesa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Garnet Mesa, also known as Sweitzer Lake, is a state-owned recreational facility located in Delta, Colorado.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, completed in 1954, serves multiple purposes such as creating a fish and wildlife pond and providing recreational activities for visitors. The earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet, with a spillway width of 50 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 2200 cubic feet per second. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 1333 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 139 acres.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Garnet Mesa is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The dam has a high hazard potential and is rated in fair condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. Emergency action plans are in place, meeting guidelines for risk management and ensuring public safety in case of any unforeseen events. With its picturesque location near the Uncompahgre River, Garnet Mesa offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates to appreciate and enjoy.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

659

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

139

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

1980

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.