Mcphee Dam
Mcphee Dam is a rockfill dam located in Montezuma County, Colorado, built in 1983. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Mcphee Dam
The primary purpose of Mcphee Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Delores River near Slide Rock.
The dam stands 295 feet tall and stretches 1,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4,918 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 399,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 817 square miles. Completed in 1983, the structure is 43 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/23/2020.
At 295 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 | Slide Rock |
| River/Stream | Delores River |
| Coordinates | 37.57740, -108.57200 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 295 ft |
| Dam Height | 295 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 399,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 399,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 381,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,918 acres |
| Drainage Area | 817 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 33,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02707 |
| Federal ID | CO02707 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |