Vega Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vega Reservoir is a man-made lake located in western Colorado, near the town of Collbran.


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Summary

Constructed in 1963, the reservoir was created to store water for agricultural irrigation and municipal use. The reservoir has a capacity of 27,000 acre-feet and is fed by the Plateau Creek watershed, which includes snowmelt and surface runoff. The surrounding area is known for its agriculture, including orchards and cattle ranching. The reservoir also supports recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and camping. It is stocked annually with rainbow and brown trout. Vega Reservoir is an important source of water for the region, and its management is critical to ensuring sustainable agriculture and recreation opportunities.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 0.2%
Percent of Normal 64%
Minimum 54.0 acre-ft
2001-02-14
Maximum 39,608.0 acre-ft
2000-06-16
Average 11,041 acre-ft
Dam_Height 130
Hydraulic_Height 136
Drainage_Area 24
Year_Completed 1959
Nid_Storage 38102
Hazard_Potential High
Structural_Height 162
River_Or_Stream PLATEAU CREEK
Foundations Rock, Soil
Surface_Area 1109
Outlet_Gates Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 2
Dam_Length 2100
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 162
       
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.