Jackson Gulch

WEST MANCOS RIVER OS· Montezuma, Colorado· Built 1948· Earth· 180 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Jackson Gulch is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 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 Height 180 ft (taller than 98.4% in CO)
Dam Length1,900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage10.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage10.0K acre-ft
Surface Area217 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDCO01685

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 29, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jackson Gulch?

Jackson Gulch 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 Jackson Gulch?

Jackson Gulch is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jackson Gulch built?

Jackson Gulch was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Jackson Gulch?

Jackson Gulch serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Jackson Gulch?

Jackson Gulch has a dam height of 180 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 Jackson Gulch last inspected?

Jackson Gulch was last inspected on July 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.