Morrow Point Dam
Morrow Point Dam is a concrete dam located in Montrose County, Colorado, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Morrow Point Dam
The primary purpose of Morrow Point 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Gunnison River near Delta.
The dam stands 468 feet tall and stretches 724 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 838 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 121,275 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,640 square miles. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 07/19/2023.
At 468 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 | Montrose |
| Nearest City | Delta |
| River/Stream | Gunnison River |
| Coordinates | 38.45190, -107.53800 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 468 ft |
| Dam Height | 400 ft |
| Dam Length | 724 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 121,275 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 121,275 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 117,190 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 838 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,640 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 37,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/19/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01689 |
| Federal ID | CO01689 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |