Echo Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Echo Lake, also known as Malone's Reservoir, is a privately owned water resource located in Garfield County, Colorado.


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Summary

This man-made lake, completed in 1910, serves as a vital source of water for the surrounding area. With a dam height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, Echo Lake plays a crucial role in managing water supply and regulating the flow of the Big Salt Wash river.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Echo Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential, the reservoir has a moderate risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The spillway, with a width of 18 feet, helps control water discharge during periods of high flow, contributing to the overall management of water resources in the region.

Water and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Echo Lake not only for its historical significance and engineering marvel but also for its role in supporting the ecosystem and human activities in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of reservoirs like Echo Lake become increasingly important in ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

305

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

BIG SALT WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

138

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.