Garner Reservoir Report
Nearby: Morrison Belmear Lake
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Located in Dolores, Colorado, the Garner dam stands as a testament to private ownership and state regulation for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stretches 385 feet in length and stands at a height of 18 feet, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Serving the Disappointment Creek-TR river or stream, this structure plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection, stock, and irrigation in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Garner's moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. With a spillway width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge of 205 cubic feet per second, this dam ensures water management and safety for its surrounding environment. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway and a single slide gate outlet further highlights the engineering considerations behind its construction.
As a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of the region, Garner's presence reflects the delicate balance between human intervention and natural water systems. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place, this dam serves as a crucial element in maintaining water availability for irrigation while also mitigating potential risks associated with its operation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Garner stands as a case study in the intersection of human needs and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
385 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
DISAPPOINTMENT CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Garner