Meridian Lake Park #1

WASHINGTON GULCH· Gunnison, Colorado· Built 1980· Earth· 66 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Meridian Lake Park #1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 66 ft (taller than 92.3% in CO)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage175 acre-ft
Normal Storage192 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge2,570 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDCO01357

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

MT CRESTED BUTTE WATER & SAN DIST (FABBRE, MICHAEL

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Meridian Lake Park #1?

Meridian Lake Park #1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Meridian Lake Park #1?

Meridian Lake Park #1 is owned by MT CRESTED BUTTE WATER & SAN DIST (FABBRE, MICHAEL (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Meridian Lake Park #1 built?

Meridian Lake Park #1 was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Meridian Lake Park #1?

Meridian Lake Park #1 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 Meridian Lake Park #1?

Meridian Lake Park #1 has a dam height of 66 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 Meridian Lake Park #1 last inspected?

Meridian Lake Park #1 was last inspected on July 26, 2022. 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.