Western Hillside Reservoir

BACHELOR GULCH-OS· Eagle, Colorado· Built 1997· Earth· 46 ft tall
High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Western Hillside Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 46 ft (taller than 86.3% in CO)
Dam Length1,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage154 acre-ft
Normal Storage124 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge224 cfs
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDCO02804

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

VAIL RESORTS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Western Hillside Reservoir?

Western Hillside Reservoir 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 Western Hillside Reservoir?

Western Hillside Reservoir is owned by VAIL RESORTS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Western Hillside Reservoir built?

Western Hillside Reservoir was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Western Hillside Reservoir?

Western Hillside Reservoir serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Western Hillside Reservoir?

Western Hillside Reservoir has a dam height of 46 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 Western Hillside Reservoir last inspected?

Western Hillside Reservoir was last inspected on August 9, 2022. 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.