Vega Dam

Vega Dam Quick Facts

Location: Mesa, Colorado
Coordinates: 39.2243, -107.8108
River: Plateau Creek River
Primary Purpose: Irrigation
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1959
Dam Height: 130 ft (40 m)
Dam Length: 2,100 ft (640 m)
Dam Capacity: 38,102 acre-ft (46,998 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available
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Vega Dam Map

Vega Dam Information

Vega Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 8 miles from Collbran, Mesa, Colorado.

The dam, which is on the Plateau Creek River, was primarily built for Irrigation purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by US Bureau of Reclamation and commissioned in 1959 and is currently owned by US Bureau of Reclamation.

Vega Dam Structure

The Vega Dam is approximately 2,100 feet (640 m) long, 130 feet (40 m) high and has a structural volume of 981,825 cubic yards (750,659 cubic metres).

Vega Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 32,980 acre-ft (40,680 Ml) and maximum capacity of 38,102 acre-ft (46,998 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,109 acres (449 ha) and the total catchment area is 24 square miles (62 square kilometres).

Vega Dam Spillway

The dam has a 25 feet (8 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 1650 cubic feet per second (47 cubic metres per second).

Vega Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Vega Dam
Mesa, Colorado
Height (ft)
130
Length (Ft)
2,100
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
38,102
Drainage Area (sq miles)
24
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

Vega Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Vega Dam

Failed to fetch current weather data.

7-Day Forecast for Vega Dam

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Vega Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Vega Dam?

Vega Dam is in Colorado.

In which county is the Vega Dam?

Vega Dam is in Mesa County.

How high is the Vega Dam?

Vega Dam is 130 feet high.

How long is the Vega Dam?

Vega Dam is 2,100 feet long.

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More Dams in Mesa County:

Jerry Creek #2 Dam
Jerry Creek Dike 1
Juniata Dam
Upper Highline Dam
Vega 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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