Christensen #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lamborn #1 Lamborn #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Christensen #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Morgan County, Colorado, along Schaffer's Draw.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1957 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 32 feet tall and stretches 382 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and recreation in addition to irrigation.
With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Christensen #1 is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 220 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 6,280 cubic feet per second. Despite being marked as having a moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified since its completion and is currently deemed to meet safety guidelines.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christensen #1 offers a glimpse into the intricate network of dams and reservoirs that contribute to Colorado's irrigation and water management systems. Its role in providing water for agriculture and other uses highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
382 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SCHAFFER'S DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Christensen #1