The City of Fruita warns recreation users of dangerous conditions at Fruita Reservoir #2 on the Pinon Mesa near Glade Park, CO.

Fruita, CO – Due to current conditions at Reservoir #2 on the Pinon Mesa, recreation users are warned to stay away from the dam located at the reservoir. The dam is classified as a significant hazard and if dam failure occurred, it could cause loss of property. The location has signage warning users of the dangers, and recreation users are advised to adhere to all warning signs. 

Reservoir #2 is owned by the City of Fruita but is located south of Glade Park, CO, approximately 0.3 miles from south 16 ½ road in the Turkey Flats area. The reservoir, which is part of a four-reservoir system owned by the City of Fruita, is part of the Fruita Division of the Grand Mesa National Forest on the Pinon Mesa. In 2016, the reservoir was placed on a “No Fill Order” by the State of Colorado Division of Water Resources due to massive scarping on the downhill slopes. However, with recent rainfall and snowmelt, the reservoir is filling with water. The City of Fruita is working on siphoning water out of the reservoir, draining the water through the reservoir’s natural drainage system to lower the water level and empty the reservoir. 

Typically, this reservoir is empty, but with recent snowmelt, current water levels may attract recreation users. Users need to understand the hazardous conditions of the dam and should refrain from recreating in the reservoir. This is the reservoir's second unplanned infilling and low-level Emergency Action Plan (EAP) activation since 2019. 

About the Fruita Mountain Properties 

Historically (prior to 1980), the four reservoirs supplied domestic water to Fruita. As Fruita grew, the water from the reservoirs was not sufficient for Fruita. In 1983 (when Fruita’s population was only 3,668), Fruita entered into an agreement with Ute Water to become the domestic water provider in Fruita. Today, it is not possible to bring the water into Fruita City limits, and there is not a pipeline from the reservoirs to the City. Even if there was a way to feasibly get the water to Fruita, it is not enough to supply the nearly 14,000 residents who live here, as it was not enough when there were less than 4,000 residents. Today, the reservoirs are used by recreation users. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact: Ciara DePinto, Communications and Engagement Specialist, cdepinto@fruita.org, 970-858-3663

Other City of Fruita News