Morrison Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Located in Dolores, Colorado, the Morrison dam serves as a vital water resource for the region, primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality.

Morrison Creek-OS, the river or stream impounded by the Morrison dam, has a maximum discharge capacity of 940 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 11 acres. The spillway, with a width of 58 feet, is uncontrolled, ensuring water can safely flow during periods of excess inflow. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness in the face of potential climate-related challenges.

With its close proximity to Slick Rock and the surrounding area, the Morrison dam plays a crucial role in providing essential water resources for fire protection, livestock, fish and wildlife habitats, and agricultural irrigation. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and regulation of structures like the Morrison dam are essential for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

566

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

MORRISON CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

171

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.