Tarryall
Key Takeaway
Tarryall is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 37 ft (taller than 78.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 263 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 355 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00342 |
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
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET)
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tarryall?
Tarryall 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 Tarryall?
Tarryall is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET) (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tarryall built?
Tarryall was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Tarryall?
Tarryall serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Tarryall?
Tarryall has a dam height of 37 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 Tarryall last inspected?
Tarryall was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.