Unocal Storage Pond #3

PARACHUTE CREEK-OS· Garfield, Colorado· Built 1989· Earth· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Tailings Other Private

Key Takeaway

Unocal Storage Pond #3 is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 years old. Its primary use is tailings.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 1.3% in CO)
Dam Length1,850 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage55 acre-ft
Normal Storage28 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge27 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
Year Modified1999
NID IDCO02553

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 30, 1995
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

UNION OIL CO. OF CALIFORNIA

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Unocal Storage Pond #3?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Unocal Storage Pond #3?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 is owned by UNION OIL CO. OF CALIFORNIA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Unocal Storage Pond #3 built?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 Unocal Storage Pond #3?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 serves the following purposes: Tailings, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Unocal Storage Pond #3?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 has a dam height of 8 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 Unocal Storage Pond #3 last inspected?

Unocal Storage Pond #3 was last inspected on November 30, 1995. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.