About the Dolores Project
The Dolores Project is a Participating Project of CRSP and is located in Montezuma and Dolores counties in southwestern Colorado, was authorized for construction as a participating project of the Colorado River Storage Project by Public Law 90-537 on Sept. 30, 1968 and Public Law 98-569 on Oct. 30, 1984. Initial construction of the project began in 1977. This multipurpose project provides 12.8 MW of installed generating capacity along with municipal and industrial water, irrigation water, and recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement. Primary storage is provided by McPhee Dam and Reservoir on the Dolores River.
Powerplants are located on McPhee Dam and Towaoc Canal and generate power for the Colorado River Storage Project power system. McPhee Dam Powerplant operates year-round on fishery releases from McPhee Reservoir, while the Towaoc Canal Powerplant operates from April to October on irrigation water supply conveyed through the canal.
Last modified on January 6th, 2026