Vouga Reservoir Report
Nearby: Needle Creek Upper Dome
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Vouga is a private water resource located in Gunnison, Colorado, specifically on Razor Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam was completed in 1978 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a height of 56 feet and a storage capacity of 1450 acre-feet, Vouga has a surface area of 50 acres and a maximum discharge of 4550 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is inspected and enforced regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its high hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment, Vouga remains a crucial water infrastructure in Saguache County, Colorado. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and its outlet gates consist of slide gates and uncontrolled mechanisms. The risk assessment for Vouga indicates a moderate level of risk (3), prompting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision dating back to January 2021, ensuring readiness in case of any unforeseen events.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Vouga dam can appreciate its role in supporting irrigation activities in the region. With its strategic location within the Razor Creek watershed, Vouga plays a vital role in managing water resources for agricultural needs. While facing challenges such as its high hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition, the dam's importance in water management and irrigation cannot be understated. Continued monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of Vouga for both current and future water resource needs in the area.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1195 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
RAZOR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
32 |
Nid Storage |
1450 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area
|
||
Needle Creek Reservoir
|
||
Cochetopa Site #4
|
||
Cochetopa Site #5
|
||
Cochetopa Site #6
|
||
Cochetopa Site #3
|
Vouga