Reclamation's Curecanti Field Division announced today that limited access to Crystal Dam will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2009, for viewing or photographing of the spectacular spring runoff and releases occurring from the dam's spillway and powerplant. Public viewing of the spring releases will be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both days. On May 15 about 2,500 cubic-feet-second (1,122,000 gallons per minute) of unregulated runoff will be cascading from the dam's spillway with an additional 4,000 cubic-feet-second of water being released from the Crystal Powerplant down the Gunnison River.

Parking will be outside of the project gates and an approximately half mile walk will be necessary to view the spill. Crystal powerplant is located at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The road providing access to the Gunnison River within the Curecanti National Recreation Area, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Crystal Dam and Powerplant is accessed by turning onto Highway 347, eight miles east of Montrose. The beginning elevation on Highway 347 is at 6,572 feet elevation and at the point you turn onto the East Portal Road, to the powerplant, the elevation has increased to 8,266 feet. The East Portal Road is six miles in length. Once you begin to drop into the canyon, the elevation drops more than 1,800 feet within 3 miles. This section of the road is one of the steepest paved roads in the State of Colorado, with a 16 percent grade and is one switch back after another. Some families enjoying this event last year brought bicycles and wagons.

To access Crystal Dam and Power Plant you must pass through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, whose entrance fee of $15/car is required. At present, no restroom facilities are open at the dam. If you have questions call 970-240-6306.