Green Mountain Dam
Green Mountain Dam is an earth dam located in Summit County, Colorado, built in 1943. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Green Mountain Dam
The primary purpose of Green Mountain Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Blue River near Kremmling.
The dam stands 309 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,125 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 161,850 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 582 square miles. Completed in 1943, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/09/2024.
At 309 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Colorado dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Summit |
| Nearest City | Kremmling |
| River/Stream | Blue River |
| Coordinates | 39.87770, -106.33010 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 309 ft |
| Dam Height | 309 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 161,850 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 161,850 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 153,640 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,125 acres |
| Drainage Area | 582 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 01/09/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01658 |
| Federal ID | CO01658 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |