Rifle Gap Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rifle Gap Reservoir is located in Garfield County, Colorado and was created in 1967 as a water storage project for the Colorado River Basin.


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Summary

The reservoir is fed by the Rifle River and East Fork Parachute Creek, providing water for irrigation and domestic use. It has a storage capacity of 14,657 acre-feet and a surface area of 350 acres. The reservoir is surrounded by Rifle Gap State Park, which offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The area receives an average of 23 inches of snowfall per year, which contributes to the reservoir's water supply. The reservoir is also used for hydroelectric power generation, with a capacity of 10 megawatts. Overall, Rifle Gap Reservoir is an important source of water and recreation for the surrounding communities.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 1.77%
Percent of Normal 27%
Minimum 22.22 acre-ft
2022-10-27
Maximum 15,458.0 acre-ft
2002-08-04
Average 7,252 acre-ft
Dam_Height 157
Hydraulic_Height 114
Drainage_Area 142
Year_Completed 1966
Nid_Storage 13602
Structural_Height 157
Surface_Area 435
Hazard_Potential High
River_Or_Stream RIFLE CREEK
Dam_Length 1450
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 157
       
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.