Cortez #1
Cortez #1 is an earth dam located in Montezuma County, Colorado, built in 1938. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Cortez #1
The primary purpose of Cortez #1 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Cortez (local government). It impounds the Mcelmo Creek-tr near Cortez.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 875 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/05/2022.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Montezuma |
| Nearest City | Cortez |
| River/Stream | Mcelmo Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 37.40536, -108.53763 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 875 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 145 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 145 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 84 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Max Discharge | 253 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF CORTEZ |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01072 |
| Federal ID | CO01072 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |