Ehmann Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ehmann, Frank Det.
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Summary
#1 is a private earth dam located in Byers, Colorado, along the Middle Bijou Creek. Built in 1967 by the US Soil Conservation Service, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes but also offers fire protection and stock or small fish pond benefits. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 539 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 35 acre-feet. While it has a low hazard potential, it is rated as moderate in terms of risk assessment.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Ehmann, Frank Det. #1 is regulated by the state of Colorado through the Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 52 feet, and it has an uncontrolled outlet gates system. The last inspection of the dam took place in July 1991, with a moderate risk level identified. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam continues to provide essential flood protection to the surrounding area.
Ehmann, Frank Det. #1 stands as a testament to the importance of private infrastructure in managing water resources and climate-related risks. As a key structure along the Middle Bijou Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood impacts and safeguarding the local community. With its strategic location and design, it exemplifies the efforts made to balance water management needs with environmental considerations in Colorado's diverse landscape.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
539 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE BIJOU CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Ehmann, Frank Det. #1