Summary
This site serves as a recreational area with a primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife ponds as well as offering recreational activities. The dam, completed in 1955, is an earth structure standing at 18 feet high with a length of 791 feet, providing storage capacity of 214 acre-feet and a surface area of 27 acres.
The dam on Frenchman Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 385 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3710 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular inspection and maintenance by the Colorado Division of Water Resources to ensure its continued safety and functionality. In the event of an emergency, the site is equipped with appropriate risk management measures to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community.
Overall, Frenchman Creek is a valuable asset for water resource management and recreation in Phillips County, Colorado. With its diverse purposes, including supporting wildlife habitats and offering recreational opportunities, this state-regulated site serves as a vital resource for the local community while maintaining a moderate risk level that is actively monitored and managed by regulatory agencies.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
791 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SO FORK FRENCHMAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
385 |
Nid Storage |
214 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Frenchman Creek