Beaver Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Beaver Park, located in South Fork, Colorado, is a state-regulated recreational area built around Beaver Creek.


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Summary

This picturesque park features a rockfill dam standing at 114 feet tall, completed in 1912, which creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 4,746 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and of course, recreation, making it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

With a surface area of 130 acres and a drainage area of 47 square miles, Beaver Park offers a serene environment for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The dam's spillway, though uncontrolled, is 160 feet wide, ensuring safe water release during high discharge events. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with regular inspections and maintenance conducted to ensure public safety and continued enjoyment of the park.

Visitors to Beaver Park can marvel at the engineering feat of the rockfill dam, appreciate the critical role it plays in water management for the region, and experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With a rich history dating back over a century, this recreational haven continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Colorado's Rio Grande County.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

114

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

130

Hydraulic Height

108

Drainage Area

47

Nid Storage

9394

Structural Height

114

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

114
       
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.