Buckhorn Lake #2 dam
Buckhorn Lake #2
Buckhorn Lake #2, also known as Lower Buckhorn, is a privately owned irrigation reservoir located in Montrose, Colorado. Built in 1884, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 299 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this reservoir is for irrigation, with additional uses including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections ensuring its fair condition and low hazard potential.
Situated along the Uncompahgre River, Buckhorn Lake #2 covers a surface area of 24 acres and has a maximum discharge rate of 385 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has been well-maintained and continues to serve its intended functions effectively. While it lacks a spillway, the dam is equipped with slide gates for controlled water release. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), the reservoir is closely monitored for any potential hazards and has a designated emergency action plan in place.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Buckhorn Lake #2 for its historical significance in Colorado's irrigation infrastructure and its contribution to agriculture and water supply in the region. The reservoir's location in the picturesque Montrose County, coupled with its sustainable management practices, makes it a valuable resource for both local communities and the surrounding ecosystem. As climate change impacts water resources, this well-maintained dam serves as a model for responsible water management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Buckhorn Lake #2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Uncompahgre River At Colona | 41 cfs | → |
| Cimarron River Near Cimarron | 100 cfs | → |
| Cimarron River Bl Squaw Creek | 57 cfs | → |
| Uncompahgre River Below Ridgway Reservoir | 91 cfs | → |
| Uncompahgre River Near Ridgway | 171 cfs | → |
| Dallas Creek Near Ridgway | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Buckhorn Lake #2.
Boat launches
- Ouray County
- Us 50 Sapinero
- Chukar Boat Ramp
- Ponderosa Campground Gunnison County
- Dillon Pinnacles Trail Gunnison County
- Devil's Creek Bridge Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Buckhorn Lakes Dispersed Campsites
- Big Cimarron
- Big Cimarron Campground - Ouray Rd
- Beaver Lake
- Beaver Lake Campground - Ouray Rd
- Cimarron - Curecanti National Rec Area
Fishing spots
- Beaver Lake Day Use Area/ Fishing Site
- Silver Jack Reservoir
- Ridgway Reservoir
- Crystal Reservoir
- Silver Jack Fisherman Access
- Morrow Point Reservoir
Paddle runs
- Gunnison Gorge
- The Southern Boundary Of The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument To The Painted Wall
- Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Morrow Point Reservoir
- The Painted Wall To The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument-Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Boundary
- Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir
Track Buckhorn Lake #2 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Buckhorn Lake #2
Where does the data for Buckhorn Lake #2 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Buckhorn Lake #2.