Morrow Point Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morrow Point, located in Montrose County, Colorado, is a Federal-owned concrete dam on the Gunnison River with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Completed in 1968 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this impressive structure stands at a height of 468 feet, with a storage capacity of 121,320 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 41,000 cubic feet per second. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 2, indicating the need for vigilant risk management measures.

Managed and regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation, Morrow Point's state-of-the-art design features both arch and concrete dam types, with a hydraulic height of 400 feet and a structural height of 468 feet. The reservoir created by the dam covers an area of 838 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 117,190 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, Morrow Point has not undergone a recent condition assessment, making its current structural integrity status unknown. With its key role in hydroelectric power generation and water resource management, Morrow Point serves as a vital infrastructure component in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

724

Dam Height

400

River Or Stream

GUNNISON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

838

Hydraulic Height

400

Drainage Area

3675

Nid Storage

121320

Structural Height

468

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

468
       
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.