Rio Grande Dam

Rio Grande Dam Quick Facts

Location: Hinsdale, Colorado
Coordinates: 37.720834, -107.266966
River: Rio Grande River
Primary Purpose: Irrigation
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1914
Dam Height: 111 ft (34 m)
Dam Length: 980 ft (299 m)
Dam Capacity: 73,800 acre-ft (91,031 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory
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Rio Grande Dam Map

Rio Grande Dam Information

Rio Grande Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 47 miles from South Fork, Hinsdale, Colorado.

The dam, which is on the Rio Grande River, was primarily built for Irrigation purposes, but also serves for Fish and Wildlife Pond and Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1914 and is currently owned by SAN LUIS VALLEY IRRIGATION DISTRICT (ROBERT PHILLI.

Rio Grande Dam Structure

The Rio Grande Dam is approximately 980 feet (299 m) long, 111 feet (34 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Rio Grande Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 54,082 acre-ft (66,709 Ml) and maximum capacity of 73,800 acre-ft (91,031 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,080 acres (437 ha) and the total catchment area is 168 square miles (435 square kilometres).

Rio Grande Dam Spillway

The dam has a 32 feet (10 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 15140 cubic feet per second (429 cubic metres per second).

Rio Grande Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Rio Grande Dam
Hinsdale, Colorado
Height (ft)
111
Length (Ft)
980
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
73,800
Drainage Area (sq miles)
168
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

Rio Grande Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Rio Grande Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Rio Grande Dam

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Rio Grande Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Rio Grande Dam?

Rio Grande Dam is in Colorado.

In which county is the Rio Grande Dam?

Rio Grande Dam is in Hinsdale County.

How high is the Rio Grande Dam?

Rio Grande Dam is 111 feet high.

How long is the Rio Grande Dam?

Rio Grande Dam is 980 feet long.

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More Dams in Hinsdale County:

Continental Dam
Rio Grande Dam
Williams Creek 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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