Marion

AMETHYST CRK.· Custer, Colorado· Built 1909· Rockfill· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Marion is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 4.4% in CO)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge150 cfs
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDCO00492

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

MARION MINES & HILL CO.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Marion?

Marion is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Marion?

Marion is owned by MARION MINES & HILL CO. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Marion built?

Marion was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Marion?

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

How tall is Marion?

Marion has a dam height of 10 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.

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.