Craig #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: March 31, 2026

Located in Mesa, Colorado, the Craig #1 dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the region.


Summary

Built in 1951 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned structure serves primarily for irrigation purposes along the West Creek. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 925 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 830 acre-feet and a surface area of 81 acres.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the Craig #1 dam is currently in fair condition, according to a recent assessment conducted in June 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 60 feet, and outlet gates include slide gates and uncontrolled outlets. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a risk rating of 3 out of 5.

The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its historical significance and ongoing role in irrigation, the Craig #1 dam serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure in the water management landscape of Colorado, providing valuable water resources to the surrounding agricultural community in Gateway.



°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


15-Day Weather Outlook


Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

925

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

WEST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

81

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

23

Nid Storage

830

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.