"Rifle Gap Dam is about 5 1/2 miles north of Rifle, at a point where Rifle Creek cuts through the Grand Hogback. The dam is an earthfill structure with a spillway. Rifle Gap Reservoir has a total capacity of 13,602 acre-feet and an active capacity of 12,168 acre-feet, and when full, a surface area of 359 acres.
Geology
Rifle Gap Dam is located at the head of a narrow canyon eroded through the Grand Hogback by Rifle Gap. The hogback stands in relief above the adjacent topography because it is formed by Mesaverde sandstone and shale which are most resistant to erosion than formations an either side. Mancos shale outcrops north of the hogbacks and forms a strike valley. The soft Wasatch and Ohio Creek formations are found to the south and form valleys and badlands topography. Prior to construction West Rifle Creek and East Rifle Creek merged to form Rifle Creek at a point approximately 400 feet downstream from the centerline of the dam. Valley fill in the area is as thick as 120 feet or more. The fill consists of coalescing stream deposits, alluvial fan material, and in the upper portions, variable thickness of glacial outwash fan material. A considerable portion of the slopes above the valley are covered with slope wash. A small northwest-southeast fault was mapped between the upper and lower axes during preliminary exploration. The fault is located about 100 feet south of the downstream toe of the dam. Records indicate that rock on either side of the fault is sheared in the left abutment." (from (
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"Rifle Gap Dam is about 5 1/2 miles north of Rifle, at a point where Rifle Creek cuts through the Grand Hogback. The dam is an earthfill structure with a spillway. Rifle Gap Reservoir has a total capacity of 13,602 acre-feet and an active capacity of 12,168 acre-feet, and when full, a surface area of 359 acres.
The Silt Project is located in west-central Colorado near the towns of Rifle and Silt. The project stores the flows of Rifle Creek and pumps water from the Colorado River to supply irrigation water for approximately 7,000 acres of land. Principal features of the project are Rifle Gap Dam and Reservoir, a pumping plant, and a lateral system. Recreation facilities are available at Rifle Gap Reservoir." (from (
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"Description -
Lying at an elevation of 6,000 feet, the recreation opportunities at Rifle Gap State Park focus upon fishing, water sports and camping.
The biggest attraction at Rifle Gap State Park is the Rifle Gap Reservoir. The lake lies above 6,000 feet on the northern slope of the Grand Hogback formation. The lake itself is fed by West and Middle Rifle Creeks and Ward Gulch. It encompasses 359 surface-acres with the entire park including 1,540 acres.
Attractions - The biggest attraction at Rifle Gap State Park is the Rifle Gap Reservoir. The lake lies above 6,000 feet on the northern slope of the Grand Hogback formation. The lake itself is fed by West and Middle Rifle Creeks and Ward Gulch. It encompasses 359 surface-acres with the entire park including 1,540 acres.
Facilities at Rifle Gap State Park include 46 campsites that can accommodate every type of vehicle, but large RVs. Each campsite includes a table, grill and nearby water hydrant and vault toilet. The campgrounds line the northern shore of the reservoir with the boat ramp located west of them. Three picnic sites lie west of the boat ramp surrounding a swimming area.
On the southern shore of the reservoir are five day-use areas. These areas provide picnicking facilities and fishing access. Anglers can try their luck for rainbow and brown trout, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Recreation - Camping, fishing and water sports are the most popular activities for park visitors. The site also facilitates picnicking, bird watching, photography, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Climate - The lake lies at 6,000 feet in the transition zone between mountains and high plateau. The weather is mild here due to the low elevation, and four-seasons exist. Winter weather can be harsh, dumping plenty of snow on the area. Sun is the prevailing element that makes this region habitable. Summers are mild and pleasant. Although being so close to the plateaus can bring hot summer weather to the park.
Location - Rifle Gap State Park lies 12 miles north of the town of Rifle. The lake was created immediately north of a natural gap in the Grand Hogback ridge. The ridge is considered to be the distinction between the Rocky Mountain and the Colorado Plateau Regions. The lake the transition point where Middle Rifle and West Rifle Creeks meet to form Rifle Creek." (from (
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Also see (
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This dam was effected by the peaceful nuclear explosion (called Project Rulison, Waymarked at (
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