Kiowa Crk Wtrshd Y-77 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kiowa Creek Watershed Y-77, located in Elbert County, Colorado, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. With a surface area of 3 acres and a maximum discharge of 1187 cubic feet per second, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and maintaining a small fish pond.

The Kiowa Creek Watershed Y-77 dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting are in place. Despite being classified as low hazard potential with fair condition assessment, a moderate risk level is noted, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures. This structure, designed by the USDA NRCS, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events and underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

292

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

KIOWA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.