Paonia Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paonia is a federally-owned dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, along the Colorado River, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 199 feet and has a storage capacity of 23,230 acre-feet, serving the community of Somerset and surrounding areas. Despite its high hazard potential, Paonia has been regulated and inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and reliability.

The dam also supports irrigation and recreation activities in the region, highlighting its multi-functional role in water resource management. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge of 12,500 cubic feet per second, Paonia has been designed to handle potential flood events effectively. The dam's risk assessment has been classified as moderate, reflecting the ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate any potential hazards associated with its operation.

Overall, Paonia represents a crucial infrastructure asset in the water resource system, showcasing the collaboration between federal agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation in ensuring the safety and functionality of dams for flood protection, irrigation, and recreational purposes in the state of Colorado. Its strategic location and design features make it a key component in the region's water management efforts, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable water resource utilization and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

199

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

357

Hydraulic Height

177

Drainage Area

255

Nid Storage

23230

Structural Height

199

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

199
       
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.