Johnson
Johnson is an earth dam located in La Plata County, Colorado, built in 1982. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Johnson
The primary purpose of Johnson 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 Lake Durango Water Authority (private). It impounds the Coal Gulch-tr near Durango.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 55 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,320 acre-feet. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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 11/02/2022.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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 | La Plata |
| Nearest City | Durango |
| River/Stream | Coal Gulch-tr |
| Coordinates | 37.25626, -107.96820 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,320 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,320 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,023 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Max Discharge | 1,750 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | LAKE DURANGO WATER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01404 |
| Federal ID | CO01404 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |