Cottonwood
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood is classified as high hazard in Utah. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 3,252 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.3K acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 115 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
| NID ID | UT00390 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
OURAY PARK IRRIGATION COMPANY
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood?
Cottonwood is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cottonwood?
Cottonwood is owned by OURAY PARK IRRIGATION COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood built?
Cottonwood was completed in 1982, making it 44 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Cottonwood?
Cottonwood serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Cottonwood last inspected?
Cottonwood was last inspected on August 22, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.