Mcgechie Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcgechie, located in Montezuma County, Colorado, is a private fish and wildlife pond with a significant impact on the local ecosystem.


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Summary

This Earth dam, standing at 30 feet tall and 250 feet long, was completed in 1958 and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area, providing water for wildlife and recreational activities.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Mcgechie poses a significant hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment rating. The dam is regularly inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with the last assessment conducted in October 2020. With a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second, it is crucial to monitor Mcgechie closely to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mcgechie presents an intriguing study in balancing the benefits of a fish and wildlife pond with the potential hazards associated with dam infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like Mcgechie will be vital in ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and water supplies in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

HARTMAN DRAW-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.