Sylvan Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sylvan is a historic earth dam located in Colorado, specifically in the city of Parshall, Grand County.
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Summary
Built in 1910 for irrigation purposes, the dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet. The dam has undergone multiple modifications over the years, with significant upgrades in 1920, 1983, and 2000 to enhance its foundation, mechanical, and structural components.
The dam poses a high hazard potential, but its condition is currently assessed as fair. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment completed in May 2020. Despite its age, Sylvan continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and irrigation in the region, serving as a key infrastructure for the surrounding agricultural community. With its moderate risk assessment and adherence to regulatory standards, Sylvan remains an essential asset for water supply and climate resilience in the area.
Overall, Sylvan represents a blend of historical significance and functional utility, standing as a testament to early engineering efforts in water management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the details of Sylvan's design, construction, and ongoing maintenance provide valuable insights into the intersection of human ingenuity, natural forces, and the need for sustainable water infrastructure. Its presence along the Little Muddy Creek-TR river system underscores the importance of responsible dam management and the vital role that such structures play in supporting local communities and ecosystems.
Years Modified |
1920 - Foundation, 1920 - Mechanical, 1920 - Structural, 1983 - Mechanical, 1983 - Structural, 2000 - Mechanical, 2000 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE MUDDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
76 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
1100 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
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.
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