Kiowa Crk Wtrshd 3-B-30 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-30 is a vital earth dam structure located in Elbert, Colorado, designed by the USDA NRCS to provide flood risk reduction along Gopher Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1957, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition and poses a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-30 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a maximum discharge capacity of 8,174 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway and 180-foot width allow for efficient water release during high flow periods. Although last inspected in 2011, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 3 years, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards and serves as a critical infrastructure component in the region's water resource management system.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-30 lies not only in its engineering design and functional purpose but also in its role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. With a strategic location in Kiowa and a drainage area of 2 square miles, this earth dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of water resources in Colorado.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
GOPHER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
156 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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-30