Ridgway
Key Takeaway
Ridgway is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 | 330 ft (taller than 99.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,465 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 89.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 84.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,109 acres |
| Drainage Area | 265 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,830 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02706 |
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
Nearby Dams
Chaffee Gulch Detention Dam #6
Ouray, CO
Low HazardChimney Peak Ranch
Ouray, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftBuckhorn Lake #2
Montrose, CO
Low Hazard 30 ftCommunity Pond
Montrose, CO
Low Hazard 32 ftCornerstone Pond No. 4
Ouray, CO
Significant Hazard 46 ftHigh Park Lake
Gunnison, CO
Low Hazard 32 ftMock #1
Montrose, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ridgway?
Ridgway 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 Ridgway?
Ridgway is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ridgway built?
Ridgway was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Ridgway?
Ridgway serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Ridgway?
Ridgway has a dam height of 330 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 Ridgway last inspected?
Ridgway was last inspected on June 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.