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Mancos Project (Jackson Gulch Reservoir)

Aerial view of a lake with surrounding trees and pathways, possibly a park or recreational area.

42599 Road N
Mancos, CO 81328

970-533-7325

www.jacksongulchrehab.info

Overview

Recreation at Jackson Gulch Reservoir (located within Mancos State Park) is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. Jackson Gulch Dam was completed in 1950 and is the principal feature of the Mancos Project in southwestern Colorado. An inlet canal from the West Mancos River feeds the small reservoir which is an off-stream storage impoundment with 4 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is located five miles north of Mancos, Colorado, and 10 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site. The reservoir provides important recreation, fish and wildlife benefits; it has about 36,000 visitors per year. The average elevation is about 7,800 feet above sea level. Popular activities in the area include hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and bird watching.

Municipal

  • Mesa Verde National Park receives its municipal water from the project.
  • The Town of Mancos also receives project water which is supplemental water to their adjudicated water supply.
  • The Mancos Rural Water Company, which serves the rural community around Mancos, was organized in 1968.

Hydroelectric

The district installed a hydro unit on the outlet works in 1995 to assist in O&M costs. The hydro unit puts out up to 250 kwh during the irrigation season only.

Recreation

Colorado State Parks

History

  • 1941: Jackson Gulch reservoir was approved by the President for construction. The Mancos Water Conservancy District was organized.
  • 1947: Contract was awarded to Vinnell Company, Inc. out of Alhambra, California.
  • 1949: Jackson Gulch Dam was dedicated on July 3. The first irrigation water was released from Jackson Gulch Dam on July 29.
  • 1963: The O&M of the project was turned over to the Mancos Conservancy District.
  • 1976: Colorado Ute Indians claiming reserved water rights on the Mancos river.
  • 1986: Final settlement agreement with the Colorado Ute Indians water rights.
  • 1995: Construction of powerplant and first operation.
  • 1999: 50th anniversary of the Dam.