Paonia Dam
Paonia Dam is a dam in Gunnison County, Colorado. The earthen dam was a project of the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Built between 1959 and 1962 for irrigation storage, it stands high and across at its crest. The lake it creates, Paonia Reservoir, has a surface area of with a total capacity of and a normal capacity of and a normal elevation of . The recreational facilities of Paonia State Park include campsites, picnic sites and a boat ramp. Geologic formations from the Cretaceous and Paleocene periods are visible in the park, along with fossilized palm fronds and leaf imprints. Park uplands are gambel oak shrublands along with mixed conifer and aspen forests. Commonly seen wildlife includes, mule deer, elk, cottontail rabbit and marmot. References Dams in Colorado Reservoirs in Colorado United States Bureau of Reclamation dams Buildings and structures in Gunnison County, Colorado Earth-filled dams Dams completed in 1962 Dams in the Colorado River basin Lakes of Gunnison County, Colorado 1962 establishments in Colorado