Redlands Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Mesa County, Colorado, the Redlands Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, completed in 1917 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This concrete gravity dam on the Gunnison River serves both hydroelectric and irrigation needs, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a spillway width of 312 feet. The dam boasts a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, indicating its critical importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Managed by private owners and regulated by the state, the Redlands Dam is subject to periodic inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and its condition assessment is not currently available. With a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cfs and a surface area of 40 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water storage and distribution in the Grand Junction area.

As climate change threatens water resources across the region, the Redlands Dam stands as a vital asset in mitigating risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its historical significance, functional design, and strategic location on the Gunnison River, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

256

Dam Height

12.5

River Or Stream

Gunnison River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

40

Nid Storage

260

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.