Paonia
Key Takeaway
Paonia is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 199 ft (taller than 98.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 770 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 23.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 357 acres |
| Drainage Area | 255 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01691 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 37 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Paonia?
Paonia 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 Paonia?
Paonia is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Paonia built?
Paonia was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Paonia?
Paonia serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Paonia?
Paonia has a dam height of 199 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 Paonia last inspected?
Paonia was last inspected on August 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.