Max Killian Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Max Killian Dam #1, located in Elbert, Colorado, is a privately owned earthen dam with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1971 by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a structural height of 34 feet. It spans 565 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction in the area.
Situated on the West Bijou Creek, Max Killian Dam #1 is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While it has not been inspected since 1998, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and emergency action plans are yet to be prepared. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.
Despite its age, Max Killian Dam #1 continues to serve as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Elbert, Colorado. Its strategic location, design, and maintenance by the Natural Resources Conservation Service ensure that the dam remains a reliable structure for protecting the area from potential water-related disasters. As climate change impacts intensify, the importance of such dams in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks cannot be understated, making Max Killian Dam #1 a valuable asset in the region's resilience against changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
565 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BIJOU CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Max Killian Dam #1