Jackson Gulch Dam
Jackson Gulch Dam is an earth dam located in Montezuma County, Colorado, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Jackson Gulch Dam
The primary purpose of Jackson Gulch Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the West Mancos River Os near Mancos.
The dam stands 180 feet tall and stretches 1,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 217 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 9,980 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1949, 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 07/17/2023.
At 180 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 | Montezuma |
| Nearest City | Mancos |
| River/Stream | West Mancos River Os |
| Coordinates | 37.39860, -108.27420 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 180 ft |
| Dam Height | 180 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 9,980 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 9,980 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9,950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 217 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/17/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01685 |
| Federal ID | CO01685 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |