National and State Register

Grand Valley Diversion Dam

Mesa County

Constructed between 1913 and 1916, the dam is a concrete structure 14 feet in height, spanning a distance of 546 feet across the Colorado River.  It was built in order to divert river flow into the Government Highline Canal.

A black and white picture of the dam with four towers on either side of some water, in the background some hills are ascending to the right.

Grand Valley Diversion Dam

Still in use, the dam was designed by German engineers who incorporated a set of roller gates to control the flow.  It is the largest of only four such dams constructed in the United States.  The technical press did not credit the designers at the time of the dam’s completion due to negative sentiments related to World War I.

National Register

Address

On Colorado River, 8 miles northeast of Palisade

Site Number

5ME.301