Amber Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Amber is a public utility located in Durango, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation and secondary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1989, stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches 1100 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Coal Gulch-TR river, is regulated and permitted by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.

Despite its low hazard potential, Amber poses a moderate risk due to its location and design. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide gate outlet, with a spillway width of 25 feet. In case of emergencies, the dam has not yet prepared an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps, leaving room for improvement in risk management measures. However, with a history of satisfactory condition assessments and a moderate risk rating, Amber continues to serve its community for irrigation and recreational purposes while maintaining a close eye on safety and regulatory compliance.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

COAL GULCH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.