Rifle Gap Reservoir Near Rifle Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rifle Gap Reservoir, located near Rifle, CO, was constructed in 1967 by the Colorado River Water Conservation District to provide water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial uses.


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Summary

The reservoir has a capacity of 12,240 acre-feet and is fed by Rifle Creek and East Rifle Creek. The reservoir and surrounding area offer recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping. During the winter months, snowpack from the surrounding mountains provides a significant source of water to the reservoir. The Colorado River Water Conservation District also operates a small hydropower plant at the dam, which provides electricity to the surrounding communities. The reservoir is a vital source of water for agriculture in the region, including hay, vegetable, and fruit production.

Reservoir Details

Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change -0.01%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 5,911.14 ft
2022-09-21
Maximum 5,961.09 ft
2011-06-04
Average 5,941 ft
Dam_Height 157
Hydraulic_Height 114
Drainage_Area 142
Year_Completed 1966
Nid_Storage 13602
Structural_Height 157
River_Or_Stream RIFLE CREEK
Surface_Area 435
Hazard_Potential High
Dam_Length 1450
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 157
       
Seasonal Comparison
Precipitation, Total, In Levels
Reservoir Storage, Acre-Ft Levels
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 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.