Vega Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vega is a Federal-owned irrigation dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, along the Plateau Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1959 by the Bureau of Reclamation, Vega stands at a height of 162 feet and has a storage capacity of 38,102 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of irrigation, the dam serves to support agricultural activities in the region, covering a surface area of 1,109 acres and draining an area of 24 square miles.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 25 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1,650 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, Vega has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is regularly inspected and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Vega plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, highlighting the intersection of water infrastructure, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability.

With its strategic location in Collbran, Colorado, Vega Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community, supported by federal funding and regulatory oversight. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the management and maintenance of dams like Vega are essential in ensuring a sustainable and secure water supply for both agricultural and environmental needs. Through continued monitoring and risk management measures, Vega stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

2100

Dam Height

130

River Or Stream

PLATEAU CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1109

Hydraulic Height

136

Drainage Area

24

Nid Storage

38102

Structural Height

162

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

162
       
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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.