Hiwan #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hiwan #4 is a private earth dam located in Kittridge, Colorado, on Troublesome Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1963 for recreational purposes, the dam stands at 35 feet high and has a storage capacity of 49 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hiwan #4 poses a high risk due to its location and the potential impact of a breach on downstream areas. The dam lacks a spillway and associated structures, raising concerns about its ability to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall or flooding events. The risk assessment of the dam highlights the need for effective risk management measures to mitigate potential disasters and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the condition and risk level of dams like Hiwan #4 is crucial for promoting sustainable water management practices and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, inspection frequency, and emergency preparedness of dams in our area, we can work towards enhancing resilience to climate change impacts and safeguarding our precious water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TROUBLESOME CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

49

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
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.