Durango #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Durango #1, also known as Upper Park or City Reservoir, is a rockfill dam located in La Plata County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1899, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 360 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. Situated on the Florida River, this dam serves a primary purpose of water supply for the local community of Bondad.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Durango #1 has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a fair condition assessment. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 223 cubic feet per second. Despite having been last inspected in 2009, with a recommended inspection frequency of every six years, the risk assessment for Durango #1 is moderate.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Durango #1 to be an intriguing structure due to its historical significance, engineering design, and role in providing essential water supply to the surrounding area. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam's condition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

FLORIDA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

530

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.