Windy Gap Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Windy Gap, located in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, is a significant Earth dam project completed in 1985 for irrigation purposes along the Colorado River.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 43 feet. With a storage capacity of 1633 acre-feet, Windy Gap plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation for the region.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources, Windy Gap is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a spillway width of 390 feet, an uncontrolled spillway type, and is equipped with slide and valve outlet gates. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with regular inspections and a moderate risk level. Overall, Windy Gap serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Grand County, Colorado, supporting local agriculture and water supply needs while adhering to strict regulatory standards.

With a drainage area of 773 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 46,720 cubic feet per second, Windy Gap's impact on the surrounding ecosystem and climate is substantial. As climate change continues to affect water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like Windy Gap are crucial to ensure sustainable water management practices. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Windy Gap in water supply, irrigation, and ecosystem health is essential in mitigating the impacts of a changing climate on our water systems.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

4955

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

108

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

773

Nid Storage

1633

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.