Yamcolo
Key Takeaway
Yamcolo is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 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 | 97 ft (taller than 95.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 12.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 188 acres |
| Drainage Area | 28 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,984 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02248 |
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
UPPER YAMPA WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Rams Horn
Garfield, CO
Low Hazard 21 ftUpper Stillwater
Garfield, CO
Low Hazard 28 ftGardner Park
Routt, CO
Significant Hazard 33 ftHeart Lake
Rio Blanco, CO
Low Hazard 14 ftHarper and Sons
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 29 ftBull Park #2
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 22 ftMcchivvis
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 51 ftStillwater #1
Garfield, CO
High Hazard 75 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yamcolo?
Yamcolo 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 Yamcolo?
Yamcolo is owned by UPPER YAMPA WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Yamcolo built?
Yamcolo was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Yamcolo?
Yamcolo serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Yamcolo?
Yamcolo has a dam height of 97 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 Yamcolo last inspected?
Yamcolo was last inspected on June 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.