Smith Irrigation Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Irrigation in Brighton, Colorado, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1908, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 1073 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 429 acre-feet. The dam, located on Todd Creek, also serves fish and wildlife pond and recreation purposes, making it an essential resource for the local ecosystem and community.

Despite being state-regulated and inspected, Smith Irrigation poses a high hazard potential due to its age and the surrounding area's population density. However, recent structural and hydraulic modifications in 1963 and 2003 have maintained the dam's satisfactory condition. With a maximum discharge capacity of 3378 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 135 feet, the dam is well-equipped to handle any potential risks and emergencies, ensuring the safety of downstream areas.

Overall, Smith Irrigation is a crucial water resource in Adams County, Colorado, providing essential irrigation for agriculture, supporting wildlife habitats, and offering recreational opportunities for the community. With its strategic location on Todd Creek and its efficient design and management, this dam serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.

Years Modified

1963 - Structural, 2003 - Hydraulic, 2003 - Structural

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

1073

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TODD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

429

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.