Tepper No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Tepper No.


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Summary

1 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Westminster, Colorado, along the Little Dry Creek-OS. Completed in 1912, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a height of 22 feet and a length of 960 feet. It has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a spillway width of 52 feet, with a maximum discharge of 1236 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5. The last inspection date was in July 1992, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years. The condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," and emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and infrastructure of dams in Colorado may find Tepper No. 1 to be an intriguing case study. With its unique design, purpose, and location, this dam offers valuable insights into the intersection of water management, recreational use, and risk assessment in the state.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

LITTLE DRY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

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.
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Area Campgrounds