Mount Gunnison #1-Fw 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mount Gunnison #1-Fw 1, also known as Arco Fw #1, is a privately owned earth dam located in Gunnison, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, this dam stands at 26 feet tall and stretches 500 feet in length, with a primary purpose of water supply. The dam is situated on the North Fork Gunnison River-OS and has a maximum storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 10 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Mount Gunnison #1-Fw 1 is classified as high risk due to its risk assessment rating of 2. The dam features slide (sluice gate) and uncontrolled outlet gates, and has a spillway width of 10 feet. The last inspection of this dam was conducted in October 2018, with a mandated inspection frequency of 6 years. While there are no associated structures with this dam, it plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would be intrigued by the intricacies of Mount Gunnison #1-Fw 1, from its design and construction details to its operational and regulatory aspects. This dam serves as a vital component of the water supply infrastructure in Gunnison, Colorado, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As discussions surrounding water resource management and climate change intensify, the role of dams like Mount Gunnison #1-Fw 1 becomes increasingly significant in addressing the challenges of a changing environment.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

N. FORK GUNNISON RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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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.