Kiowa Crk Wtrshd 3-B-10 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-10, located in Elbert, Colorado, is a key water resource managed by local government agencies with oversight from the Department of Water Resources.
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Summary
The dam, constructed in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction while also providing fire protection, stock, and small fish pond benefits. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 819 feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, ensuring its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area.
The dam has a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4040 cfs. The spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 180 feet, helps regulate water flow during high precipitation events. Despite its age, the dam continues to be inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in November 2011. The risk assessment for the area is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's continued functionality in safeguarding against flooding in the Kiowa Creek watershed.
Overall, Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-10 stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, highlighting the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in maintaining the dam's integrity and functionality. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water resources, the importance of structures like Kiowa Creek Dam in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities becomes increasingly significant. Through ongoing inspections and risk assessments, stakeholders work to ensure the continued reliability of this essential flood risk reduction facility.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
819 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
KIOWA CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Kiowa Crk Wtrshd 3-B-10