Stagecoach Reservoir
The project was conceived in 1983 by the Board of the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District and designed to provide a reliable source of water for the growing population and economy of Northwest Colorado.
Water Levels
Total Capacity: 36,439 Acre-feet (AF)
Current Volume: 33,188 Acre-feet (AF) updated 4/1/25
Full Reservoir Elevation: 7,204′
Current Reservoir Elevation: 7,197.7′
Last Updated: March 11, 2025
Statistics
Total Reservoir Surface: 819 acres
Dam Height: 145′
Crest Width: 360′
Uses
• Agriculture
• Municipal
• Industrial
• Environmental
• Plus an 800 kw Hydroelectric Power Plant
About Stagecoach Reservoir
Stagecoach Dam & Reservoir was conceived in 1983 by the Board of the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District and designed to provide a reliable source of water for the growing population and economy of Northwest Colorado. This dam was constructed using a “new” (at-that-time) method of construction called Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC). Stagecoach Dam was only the 10th such RCC dam constructed in North America. The dam structure was built in 37 days working around the clock, by ASI-RCC, Inc. of Buena Vista, Colorado. The Stagecoach Dam & Reservoir was dedicated on August 12, 1989.
The reservoir provides stored water for agricultural irrigation, municipal and industrial contracts and environmental releases that help bolster flows in the river during hot and dry summer months. An 800kW hydropower plant located at Stagecoach Dam also generates enough electricity to power approximately 100 homes in the Yampa Valley each year. Stagecoach Reservoir is also a popular recreation spot for locals and visitors alike. The reservoir serves communities throughout the Yampa River Basin as a multi- purpose conservation reservoir. Recreation at Stagecoach Reservoir is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.
Recreation at Stagecoach Reservoir is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.
Facts and stats
The Dam, Power Plant, Reservoir, and Land is owned by Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District.
- An 80-acre Wetland Aquatic Habitat Refuge west of the reservoir.
- 642 acres dedicated to big game habitat north of the reservoir.
- 124 acres of wetlands in addition to the refuge.
- Approximately $9,000 per year to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for fish stocking.
- Annual subsidy to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for recreation facilities.
- Fish habitat structures downstream of the dam.
- A $275,000 multi-outlet intake structure to provide optimum reservoir release temperatures for trout.
- A buffer zone around the reservoir to provide public access to the entire periphery including a south shore bike and walking trail.
- A quality 100-unit campground with 2 boat ramps, swim beach, marina, bath house and comfort stations with running water. The recreation facilities are administered by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
