Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Crystal Reservoir releases begin, access closed due to dam safety concerns
In this photo from 2019, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Senior Aquatic Biologist Eric Gardunio stands in Crystal Reservoir after releasing a cutthroat trout he caught as part of an experiment to see if flashing lights could encourage fish to stay in the reservoir. The wildlife agency has had challenges with keeping fish stocked in the reservoir after the dam outlet was rebuilt in 2012. The U.S. Forest Service has proposed draining the reservoir due to liability concerns over the dam, which as been classified as hazardous. Erin McIntyre — Ouray County Plaindealer
News
By Erin McIntyre on April 15, 2024
Fate of reservoir still undetermined
Crystal Reservoir releases begin, access closed due to dam safety concerns

The U.S. Forest Service will start releasing water from Crystal Reservoir to lessen pressure on the structurally compromised Full Moon Dam, beginning this week.

According to the agency, it will close off public access to the reservoir, and the route across the dam at the north end of the reservoir, as well as a segment of the Hayden Trail and the trail along the eastern side of the reservoir, next to U.S. Highway 550. This closure is currently scheduled to last until June 30.

 

This image shows the closure area for Crystal Reservoir and the Full Moon Dam, in a map provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

 

The decision to draw down the reservoir below the face of the dam is based on safety concerns. Inspections of the earthen dam have documented cracks, and officials are reducing the risk of a dam breach by releasing the water in anticipation of spring runoff. The agency said there’s no imminent danger and the plan to release water is a precaution.

Part of the Full Moon Dam was built in the 1800s, and it was rebuilt for safety reasons in 2012. The reservoir holds about 80 acre-feet of water and is about 8 feet deep in the middle.

Crystal Reservoir drains into Red Mountain Creek, which flows into the Uncompahgre River. The Forest Service is concerned about liability stemming from the dam, which has been classified as a high-hazard dam, meaning there could be significant damage downstream if the dam fails.

The Forest Service plans to begin an environmental analysis to look at alternatives to address the situation, including a wide variety of options. This could include everything from transferring the reservoir to another owner to removing the dam and restoring the area.

Last month, a lands and minerals specialist with the U.S. Forest Service told commissioners that the agency has targeted 2027 as the date to implement a plan for addressing the problem with the dam.

“Our thought is to remove the dam,” Lindsey Binder said at the meeting. “There’s a trail across the dam, so we’d have to reroute it or put in a bridge. The long-term plan would be to restore the area to natural wetlands.”

Some local government agencies have expressed concerns about the fate of Crystal Reservoir and have submitted comments indicating they would like to preserve it and be involved in the decision making.

Ridgway hotel to convert to housing
Main, News...
Ridgway hotel to convert to housing
MTN Lodge owner: Change needed to sustain operations; town leaders worried
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ridgway’s largest hotel plans to convert to construction and hotel workforce housing for a new Four Seasons development in Mountain Village for at least the next four years. MTN Lodge signed an agreem...
this is a test
With federal funds in limbo, Ouray seeks options to reduce wildfire danger
News
With federal funds in limbo, Ouray seeks options to reduce wildfire danger
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ouray city leaders are exploring other ways to address dead, fallen trees littering neighborhoods and hillsides now that it's unclear when a large-scale, federally funded wildfire mitigation project w...
this is a test
News
Interim police chief retained through Dec. 31
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer has extended the contract of Interim Police Chief Daric Harvey through the end of the year. Harvey was hired as the interim chief in March, replacing Sgt. Gar...
this is a test
City to hear public input on wayfinding sign solutions
News
City to hear public input on wayfinding sign solutions
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
The Ouray City Council will hold a work session Monday to discuss possible solutions to concerns raised by residents and business owners about new wayfinding signs installed along Main Street earlier ...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Article about Space to Create too negative
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: The origin and theory behind the Space To Create movement is tied to the common phenomenon where creative individuals, looking for affordable and functional space, move into semi-industri...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
When things go wrong, help is quick to arrive
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: While I was taking a walk in Fellin Park a couple of weeks ago, I was bitten by an off-leash, unvaccinated dog. Sometimes unfortunate things do happen. The dog's owner was responsive to t...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
Weiser for governor
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: My wife and I support Attorney General Phil Weiser for governor of Colorado. He recently came to Ouray County to speak to citizens about his visions if he's elected governor. The affair w...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks, first responders
Thanks, first responders
September 10, 2025
Dear Editor: My most sincere thanks to the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, Ouray County EMS, the Ouray Police Department and all responders to the numerous calls you have been responding to this summ...
this is a test
Dam it: the story of Ridgway State Park
Columns, Opinion...
Dam it: the story of Ridgway State Park
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
September 10, 2025
Our neighborhood reservoir, Ridgway State Park, has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is a modern chapter in the long and rich history of the Uncompahgre Valley. It is a s...
this is a test
News
News briefs
Man cited for alleged theft, deed restrictions approved, Ouray enacts voluntary water restrictions, shuttle service in Ouray uncertain
By Erin 
September 10, 2025
Man cited for alleged shoplifting at hardware store A Grand Junction man has been issued a citation for theft, after he allegedly stole two Dewalt batteries from the Ridgway True Value Hardware Store....
this is a test
Log Hill resident accused in child sex assault case
News
Log Hill resident accused in child sex assault case
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 10, 2025
Editor's note: This story includes details of alleged sexual assault. A Log Hill resident and alternative medicine practitioner has been accused of sexual assault on a child in a pattern of abuse, by ...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy