Shoshone Diversion Dam
Shoshone Diversion Dam is a concrete dam located in Garfield County, Colorado, built in 1909. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Shoshone Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of Shoshone Diversion 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 Xcel Energy (martinez, Patrick) (public utility). It impounds the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 516 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,470 square miles. Completed in 1909, the structure is over a century 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 04/15/2022.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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 | Garfield |
| Nearest City | Glenwood Springs |
| River/Stream | Colorado River |
| Coordinates | 39.58784, -107.19406 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1909 (117 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 516 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 516 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 420 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,470 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,782 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | XCEL ENERGY (MARTINEZ, PATRICK) |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 04/15/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02955 |
| Federal ID | CO02955 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |