Silver Jack is a federal-owned earth dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation. Built in 1971 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this structure stands at a towering height of 173 feet and has a storage capacity of 15,363 acre-feet. Situated on the East Fork of the Cimarron River, Silver Jack plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 13,520 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6,220 cubic feet per second.
Despite its important role in water resource management, Silver Jack poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being listed as "Not Available." The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with slide gates, uncontrolled outlets, and valves for water release. The risk assessment for Silver Jack is categorized as high, emphasizing the need for regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the Bureau of Reclamation oversees the operations and regulation of Silver Jack to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding communities in Delta, Colorado.