Cheesman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheesman Dam, located in Deckers, Colorado, is a historic masonry structure completed in 1905 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

It stands at an impressive height of 221 feet and has a length of 710 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 87,227 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the South Platte River, serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area and is under state regulation and inspection to ensure its safety and efficacy.

With a high hazard potential due to its size and location, Cheesman Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of June 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet guidelines for risk management and emergency preparedness. The surrounding Jefferson County, Colorado, benefits from the normal storage capacity of 79,064 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1,750 square miles, highlighting the critical role Cheesman plays in maintaining water resources for the region.

Supported by a moderate risk assessment rating, Cheesman Dam is a significant structure within the Albuquerque District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Owned by a public utility, the dam's operational efficiency and adherence to safety standards underscore its importance in water management and climate resilience efforts in the state of Colorado.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

710

Dam Height

221

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

874

Hydraulic Height

221

Drainage Area

1750

Nid Storage

87227

Structural Height

221

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

221
       
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.