High Park Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

High Park Lake, located in Gunnison, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this Earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet, with a storage capacity of 582 acre-feet for water supply purposes. The dam spans 360 feet in length and is primarily used for fire protection, stock watering, irrigation, and small fish pond support.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, High Park Lake boasts a maximum discharge rate of 864 cubic feet per second, although it currently lacks a spillway for overflow management. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment are currently unspecified, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of disaster preparedness and mitigation. Despite these considerations, High Park Lake remains a vital water resource for the surrounding area, serving as a crucial component of the local water supply infrastructure.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

HIGH PARK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

582

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.