Summary
Built in 1912, this Earth type dam stands at 43 feet high, with a length of 15,400 feet and a storage capacity of 51,387 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and has a normal storage capacity of 28,840 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 2,329 acres.
Despite its historical significance, Prewitt poses a high hazard potential, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of November 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 106 feet. The risk assessment for Prewitt is moderate, indicating a potential for adverse outcomes if the dam were to fail. While the dam is state-regulated and inspected annually, there are no records of federal involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or regulation.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the engineering and management aspects of dams will find Prewitt a compelling case study. With its rich history, strategic location, and potential risks, Prewitt serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Colorado and beyond.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
15400 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2329 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
105 |
Nid Storage |
51387 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Prewitt