Kiowa Crk Wtrshd 3-B-40 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-40 is a crucial water resource structure located in Elbert, Colorado, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans a length of 700 feet. With a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1510 cubic feet per second, it serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
Situated on Gopher Creek-TR, this dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its compliance with state standards. Despite being classified as low hazard potential and fair condition, it poses a moderate risk due to its age and the need for regular maintenance. With a spillway width of 100 feet and controlled by uncontrolled spillway type, this structure plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from flooding.
As a key component of the local government's water infrastructure, Kiowa Creek Watershed 3-B-40 serves as a critical asset for the community of Kiowa. Its strategic location and design by the USDA NRCS highlight the importance of proper water resource management in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem. With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam continues to play a significant role in safeguarding the region's water resources and enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
GOPHER CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
117 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
38 |
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-40