Bunkwater Ridge Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bunkwater Ridge Retention Dam, located in Mesa County, Colorado, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 30 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 65 acres, with a drainage area of 1.4 square miles. The dam is owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, inspected, and operated by the Bureau of Land Management.
With a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, Bunkwater Ridge Retention Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 6 feet and has not been modified in recent years. The last inspection was conducted in September 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam is situated on a tributary to Cottenwood Creek and plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
374 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO COTTENWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
65 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Bunkwater Ridge Retention Dam