Garnet Mesa
Key Takeaway
Garnet Mesa is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Height | 39 ft (taller than 80.5% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 659 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 139 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00747 |
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
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET)
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Garnet Mesa?
Garnet Mesa 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 Garnet Mesa?
Garnet Mesa is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET) (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Garnet Mesa built?
Garnet Mesa was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Garnet Mesa?
Garnet Mesa serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Garnet Mesa?
Garnet Mesa has a dam height of 39 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Garnet Mesa last inspected?
Garnet Mesa was last inspected on September 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.