Fruitgrowers Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fruitgrowers Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Delta County, Colorado.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The reservoir was created in 1906 by the Fruitgrowers Dam which was built across Surface Creek, a tributary of the Gunnison River. The reservoir is able to store up to 8,232 acre-feet of water and serves the agricultural needs of the surrounding area. The water in the reservoir comes from both surface flow and snowpack, with the majority of the water coming from snowmelt in the surrounding mountains. The reservoir is used to irrigate farms in the area and also provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The reservoir is managed by the Fruitgrowers Reservoir Company, a cooperative of local farmers, and is a vital resource for the agricultural community in the area.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 2.07%
Percent of Normal 52%
Minimum 1.0 acre-ft
2020-09-17
Maximum 7,359,392.0 acre-ft
2002-03-25
Average 1,282 acre-ft
Dam_Height 55
Hydraulic_Height 40
Drainage_Area 12
Years_Modified 1986 - Seismic, 1986 - Structural
Year_Completed 1938
Nid_Storage 7548
Structural_Height 55
Foundations Rock, Soil
Surface_Area 640
Hazard_Potential High
Outlet_Gates Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled
River_Or_Stream ALFALFA RUN CREEK
Dam_Length 1520
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 55
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Total Release Levels
Inflow Levels

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.