Brittingham Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brittingham, John is a privately-owned dam located in Elbert, Colorado, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Wilson Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1971 by the US Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres, Brittingham, John serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Although rated as having a low hazard potential, Brittingham, John has not been assessed for its current condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 135 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 7200 cubic feet per second. Despite limited information on its risk management measures, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
While the last inspection of Brittingham, John took place in July 1991, with an inspection frequency of 3 years, there is a need for updated information on its condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management strategies. As a key structure in the area's water resource management, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to prioritize the safety and functionality of Brittingham, John to sustain its role in protecting the community from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
547 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
WILSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
225 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Brittingham, John