Meridian Lake Park #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Meridian Lake Park #1, located in Crested Butte, Colorado, is a public utility water supply facility regulated by the Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

This earth-type dam, completed in 1980, stands at a height of 66 feet and has a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Washington Gulch river, serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the surrounding area.

With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, Meridian Lake Park #1 undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has a spillway width of 40 feet and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for outlet purposes. Despite its high risk assessment level, the dam has not been modified in recent years and remains crucial in managing the water resources of Gunnison County.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the strategic location and design of Meridian Lake Park #1, which plays a vital role in water supply management in the region. Its operational efficiency and compliance with state regulations make it a key asset in safeguarding against water-related risks and ensuring the sustainable use of resources in the Gunnison area.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

66

River Or Stream

WASHINGTON GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

67

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

192

Structural Height

78

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.