Blue Lake #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Blue Lake #1, located in Telluride, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1903 for water supply purposes, specifically irrigation and water supply.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a length of 100 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 601 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 52 acres. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment in August 2015 rating its condition as unsatisfactory.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Blue Lake #1 poses a high risk due to its outdated infrastructure and the lack of emergency action plans in place. The dam has no spillway and relies on uncontrolled outlets, raising concerns about its ability to handle maximum discharge levels. With a risk assessment rating of 2, there is a pressing need for updated risk management measures and the development of emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream communities in the event of a dam failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blue Lake #1 serves as a case study highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and risk assessment for aging dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

BRIDAL VEIL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

601

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled, Valve

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

13
       
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.