Sunny Acres is a private dam located in Adams County, Colorado, along the South Platte River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 29 feet high and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a maximum storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a normal storage of 15 acre-feet, Sunny Acres covers a surface area of 2 acres.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Sunny Acres is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 42 feet, and it has an outlet gate in the form of a slide (sluice gate). The last inspection in 2013 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years.
The surrounding area of Sunny Acres is at a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. As a vital structure for fire protection and water storage, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, Sunny Acres continues to be a key feature in the water resource management and climate conservation efforts in Colorado.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
901 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |