Fish Creek #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Fish Creek #2 is a privately owned Earth dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, specifically in the city of Cimarron.


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Summary

Built in 1906, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 343 acre-feet for recreational purposes along the Fish Creek river. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently assessed as unsatisfactory with a significant hazard potential, indicating a need for maintenance and risk management measures.

The dam does not have a spillway, and its outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate) and uncontrolled mechanisms. With a drainage area of only 1 square mile, the Fish Creek #2 dam can discharge up to 2300 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies. The last inspection in October 2020 revealed its unsatisfactory condition, prompting the need for regular monitoring and potential improvements to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the event of a high-risk scenario.

Given the high risk assessment and significant hazard potential, stakeholders involved in the management of Fish Creek #2 should prioritize the implementation of effective risk management measures and regular inspections to mitigate any potential dangers associated with the dam. As a key recreational structure in the area, ensuring the safety and integrity of the dam is crucial for both water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates who value sustainable water management practices in Colorado.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

FISH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

343

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.