Ouray’s Crystal Reservoir Is One Step Closer to Coming Back

After more than 90 years along Colorado’s U.S. 550, Crystal Reservoir (Crystal Lake) was drained by the U.S. Forest Service in 2024. Now, more than two years later, the reservoir could be back in local hands.

On September 30, the Senate passed the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. Now the House needs to do the same. The legislation would transfer Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch, and related infrastructure to the City of Ouray.

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Ouray Is Getting Close, But The Lake Isn't Coming Back Yet

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Colorado’s Red Mountain Pass is so impressive that if you have never driven the Million Dollar Highway, you might not notice there used to be a lake up there. Crystal Reservoir was a popular recreation destination and important water storage area for Ouray. The water was drained after Sen. Michael Bennet's Crystal Reservoir legislation in 2024, which cites concerns over Full Moon Dam.

The Decision Was About Dam Safety

A 2023 inspection found a 71-foot-long crack in the crest of the earthen Full Moon Dam. This followed an earlier “high-hazard” classification, according to an Ouray News investigation. The Forest Service has discussed selling the reservoir to the city or pursuing a land exchange. Public records reported by Ouray News show the agency had discussed options with city officials for years before ultimately moving ahead with the 2024 drawdown.

One Major Step Is Still Left

Ouray’s Crystal Reservoir Is One Step Closer to Coming Back

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Congress has moved the Crystal Reservoir legislation a long way in a relatively short period. The House passed its legislation in June, and the Senate passed its amended version by unanimous consent on Sept. 30. Now, the House needs to act on the Senate version by December 18, its target adjournment date. If the legislation becomes law, the reservoir, Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch, Reservoir Number 10, and associated infrastructure would be conveyed to Ouray.