Taylor Draw

About Taylor Draw

The primary purpose of Taylor Draw 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 Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District (local government). It impounds the White River near Rangely.

The dam stands 81 feet tall and stretches 1,130 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 615 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 22,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,788 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years old.

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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/21/2022.

At 81 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.

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