Crystal Dam

Crystal Dam Quick Facts

Location: Montrose, Colorado
Coordinates: 38.510417, -107.623989
River: Gunnison River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Concrete Arch
Commissioned: 1977
Dam Height: 227 ft (69 m)
Dam Length: 635 ft (194 m)
Dam Capacity: 30,726 acre-ft (37,900 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available
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Crystal Dam Map

Crystal Dam Information

Crystal Dam is a concrete arch dam located about 44 miles from Delta, Montrose, Colorado.

The dam, which is on the Gunnison River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by US Bureau of Reclamation and commissioned in 1977 and is currently owned by US Bureau of Reclamation.

Crystal Dam Structure

The Crystal Dam is approximately 635 feet (194 m) long, 227 feet (69 m) high and has a structural volume of 147,000 cubic yards (112,390 cubic metres).

Crystal Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 25,236 acre-ft (31,128 Ml) and maximum capacity of 30,726 acre-ft (37,900 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 301 acres (122 ha) and the total catchment area is 323 square miles (837 square kilometres).

Crystal Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 41500 cubic feet per second (1175 cubic metres per second).

Crystal Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Crystal Dam
Montrose, Colorado
Height (ft)
227
Length (Ft)
635
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,726
Drainage Area (sq miles)
323
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Crystal Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Crystal Dam

Parameter Value
Current Time 21:31
Sunrise 07:19
Sunset 18:32
Temperature (°F) 58
Feels Like (°F) 56
Cloud Coverage (%) 64
Pressure (inHg) 1021
Humidity (%) 52
Wind Speed (mph) 10
Rain (mm) 0

7-Day Forecast for Crystal Dam

Day Min Temp (°F) Max Temp (°F) Feels Like (°F) Pressure (inHg) Humidity (%) Wind Speed (mph) Wind Gust (mph) Wind Dir Precip Prob (%) Precip Volume (mm) Weather
Today 46 73 67 1018 24 13 16 WSW 35 - clear sky
Wed 46 69 65 1015 22 14 17 NW 84 1 light rain
Thu 45 59 51 1012 62 17 25 WSW 100 4 moderate rain
Fri 38 65 59 1001 25 19 34 S 100 0 rain and snow
Sat 36 44 38 1016 66 9 13 WNW 100 6 rain and snow
Sun 31 44 37 1021 55 16 19 W 49 0 rain and snow
Mon 35 58 49 1021 42 7 6 WNW 0 - clear sky
Tue 41 64 57 1021 31 10 13 W 0 - clear sky

Crystal Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Crystal Dam?

Crystal Dam is in Colorado.

In which county is the Crystal Dam?

Crystal Dam is in Montrose County.

How high is the Crystal Dam?

Crystal Dam is 227 feet high.

How long is the Crystal Dam?

Crystal Dam is 635 feet long.

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More Dams in Montrose County:

Crystal Dam
Morrow Point Dam
Onion Valley Dam

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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