Paonia is a federally-owned dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, along the Colorado River, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 199 feet and has a storage capacity of 23,230 acre-feet, serving the community of Somerset and surrounding areas. Despite its high hazard potential, Paonia has been regulated and inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and reliability.

The dam also supports irrigation and recreation activities in the region, highlighting its multi-functional role in water resource management. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge of 12,500 cubic feet per second, Paonia has been designed to handle potential flood events effectively. The dam's risk assessment has been classified as moderate, reflecting the ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate any potential hazards associated with its operation.

Overall, Paonia represents a crucial infrastructure asset in the water resource system, showcasing the collaboration between federal agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation in ensuring the safety and functionality of dams for flood protection, irrigation, and recreational purposes in the state of Colorado. Its strategic location and design features make it a key component in the region's water management efforts, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable water resource utilization and climate resilience.