Barren Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barren, also known as Reservoir #6 or Baron, is a privately-owned reservoir located in Cedaredge, Colorado.


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Summary

This historic earth dam was completed in 1886 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 977 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 759 acre-feet. The dam stands at 16 feet in height and spans 320 feet in length, with a surface area of 81 acres and a drainage area of 2 square miles.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Barren is regulated for inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its continued operation and safety. The reservoir's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 21 feet, and features outlet gates including a slide (sluice gate) and uncontrolled releases. Despite being assessed as having a fair condition, the dam poses a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Regular inspections and risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential safety concerns and ensure the reservoir's continued functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the historical significance and engineering details of dams will find Barren to be a captivating example of early irrigation infrastructure in Colorado. With its unique design characteristics and ongoing regulatory oversight, this reservoir serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1886

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

KISER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

81

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

977

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.