Pinon Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinon Lake, located in Archuleta County, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1971, this earth dam structure stands at 14 feet high and has a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 37 acres and is fed by Martinez Creek-TR, offering opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and irrigation in the region.

Despite being a private facility, Pinon Lake is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that the dam meets safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2019. The spillway, which is uncontrolled with a width of 15 feet, helps manage water flow during periods of high discharge, with a maximum capacity of 3393 cubic feet per second.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area can appreciate Pinon Lake for its recreational value, ecological importance, and the careful oversight it receives to ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With its serene setting and diverse uses, Pinon Lake serves as a vital water resource in the region while also providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities and wildlife habitat.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

MARTINEZ CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

310

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds