Ridgway Dam Quick Facts
Ridgway Dam Map
Ridgway Dam Information
Ridgway Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 7 miles from Colona, Ouray, Colorado.
The dam, which is on the Umcompahgre River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for Irrigation, Recreation and Water Supply benefits.
The dam was designed by US Bureau of Reclamation and commissioned in 1986 and is currently owned by US Bureau of Reclamation.
Ridgway Dam Structure
The Ridgway Dam is approximately 2,465 feet (751 m) long, 330 feet (101 m) high and has a structural volume of 10,700,000 cubic yards (8,180,739 cubic metres).
Ridgway Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area
The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 84,410 acre-ft (104,118 Ml) and maximum capacity of 89,230 acre-ft (110,063 Ml).
The surface area of the reservoir is 1,109 acres (449 ha) and the total catchment area is 265 square miles (686 square kilometres).
Ridgway Dam Spillway
The dam has a 129 feet (39 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 9830 cubic feet per second (278 cubic metres per second).
Ridgway Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams
Ridgway Dam Weather
Current Conditions at Ridgway Dam
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Time | 23:19 |
| Sunrise | 07:20 |
| Sunset | 18:32 |
| Temperature (°F) | 54 |
| Feels Like (°F) | 51 |
| Cloud Coverage (%) | 88 |
| Pressure (inHg) | 1023 |
| Humidity (%) | 48 |
| Wind Speed (mph) | 6 |
| Rain (mm) | 0 |
7-Day Forecast for Ridgway 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 | 71 | 66 | 1018 | 22 | 11 | 11 | SW | 0 | - |  |
| Wed | 46 | 68 | 65 | 1015 | 18 | 15 | 19 | S | 3 | - |  |
| Thu | 44 | 60 | 49 | 1012 | 63 | 10 | 22 | SSE | 100 | 2 |  |
| Fri | 35 | 61 | 56 | 1001 | 27 | 17 | 41 | S | 100 | 1 |  |
| Sat | 34 | 40 | 35 | 1016 | 76 | 7 | 7 | NW | 100 | - | |
| Sun | 24 | 41 | 36 | 1021 | 70 | 7 | 12 | W | 76 | - | |
| Mon | 29 | 53 | 48 | 1021 | 65 | 6 | 7 | S | 0 | - | |
| Tue | 38 | 62 | 56 | 1021 | 43 | 7 | 10 | SSE | 0 | - | |
Ridgway Dam Frequently Asked Questions
Ridgway Dam is in Colorado.
Ridgway Dam is in Ouray County.
Ridgway Dam is 330 feet high.
Ridgway Dam is 2,465 feet long.
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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