Rio Grande
Key Takeaway
Rio Grande is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 | 111 ft (taller than 96.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 73.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 54.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,080 acres |
| Drainage Area | 168 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,140 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00805 |
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
SAN LUIS VALLEY IRRIGATION DISTRICT (ROBERT PHILLI
Local Government
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rio Grande?
Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande?
Rio Grande is owned by SAN LUIS VALLEY IRRIGATION DISTRICT (ROBERT PHILLI (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rio Grande built?
Rio Grande was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Rio Grande?
Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande?
Rio Grande has a dam height of 111 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 Rio Grande last inspected?
Rio Grande was last inspected on August 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.