Durango Terminal Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Durango Terminal, located in La Plata County, Colorado, serves as a crucial water supply source in the region.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1954, this local government-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a structural height of 45 feet and a length of 655 feet. With a storage capacity of 341 acre-feet and a surface area of 19 acres, Durango Terminal plays a vital role in providing water to the community for various purposes.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Durango Terminal is equipped with four slide (sluice gate) outlet gates to regulate water flow. Although the dam has a high hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2020 deemed it satisfactory, ensuring its operational integrity. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 2 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 60 cubic feet per second.

Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Durango Terminal has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in March 2020. While the dam meets safety guidelines and has emergency action plans in place, continuous risk management measures are essential to ensure the long-term stability and reliability of this critical water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

GOEGLEIN GULCH-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

341

Structural Height

45

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.