Shadow Mountain Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Shadow Mountain, also known as the North Fork Diversion Dam, is a federal-owned structure located in Grand County, Colorado.


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Summary

This irrigation dam was completed in 1945 by the Bureau of Reclamation and serves the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation in the area. It is situated on the Colorado River and has a high hazard potential due to its 63-foot structural height and 37-foot hydraulic height.

With a storage capacity of 18,369 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,852 acres, Shadow Mountain plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 40 feet and is inspected regularly by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and proper functioning. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is categorized as very high, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to protect nearby communities and infrastructure from potential flooding events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shadow Mountain represents both the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water infrastructure in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

3077

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1852

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

187

Nid Storage

18369

Structural Height

63

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

63
       
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.