Narraguinnep - Dam 3
Key Takeaway
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 | 34 ft (taller than 74.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,522 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 22.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 581 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02876 |
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
MONTEZUMA VALLEY IRRIGATION CO.
Private
Nearby Dams
Narraguinnep - Dam 2
Montezuma, CO
High Hazard 19 ftNarraguinnep - Main Dam
Montezuma, CO
High Hazard 100 ftE. G. Merritt
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 17 ftMcphee
Montezuma, CO
High Hazard 295 ftCortez #1
Montezuma, CO
Significant Hazard 38 ftMcgechie
Montezuma, CO
Significant Hazard 30 ftTotten
Montezuma, CO
High Hazard 30 ftGrimes
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Narraguinnep - Dam 3?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 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 Narraguinnep - Dam 3?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 is owned by MONTEZUMA VALLEY IRRIGATION CO. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Narraguinnep - Dam 3 built?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Narraguinnep - Dam 3?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Narraguinnep - Dam 3?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 has a dam height of 34 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 Narraguinnep - Dam 3 last inspected?
Narraguinnep - Dam 3 was last inspected on October 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.