Ute Ulay Dam

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The Ute Ulay Mining Complex is situated along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, just south of Lake City, Colorado. In 1871, Ute Ulay mining claims were discovered and became one of the largest gold and silver producers in the San Juan Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management's Gunnison Field Office has joined forces with Hinsdale County to promote heritage tourism, and several structures within the complex have been stabilized and preserved. Ute Ulay was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. The Ute Ulay Dam was built in 1926 to power a mill that processed gold and silver ores using hydropower. Constructed from poured concrete, this dam measures 160 feet wide and is reinforced with woven rebar. Water flowed into the hydropower plant through a flume originating from the dam. Three turbine water wheels produced electricity at the power plant until it was shut down in 1951 when the flume collapsed.