Ellgen Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ellgen is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Moffat County, Colorado, along the Bell Rock Gulch.


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Summary

Completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a length of 345 feet, providing a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2016, Ellgen is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources to ensure its safe operation.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 517 cubic feet per second. Its location in a scenic area near Ouray, Utah, makes it a key water resource for the local agricultural community. Despite being privately owned, Ellgen is subject to state regulations, permitting, and inspection, highlighting its importance in maintaining water security and sustainability in the region.

Overall, Ellgen serves as a crucial water infrastructure for irrigation needs in Moffat County, Colorado. With its moderate risk assessment and regular inspections, this dam plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and water management along the Bell Rock Gulch. Its historical significance and functional design underscore the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

BELL ROCK GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

171

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

41
       
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.