Beaver-Huffington Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Beaver-Huffington, also known as Beaver Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Mesa County, Colorado.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1957, serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 523 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 676 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at a height of 42 feet, with a hydraulic height of 44 feet, and spans a length of 561 feet along the Escalante Creek-TR.

Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, Beaver-Huffington is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. Its condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in 2008, with a risk assessment rating of high (2). The dam lacks a spillway, relying on slide and uncontrolled gates for outlet flow. While the dam's emergency action plan status is not specified in the data, its location and purpose highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

For those interested in water resource management and climate impact, Beaver-Huffington provides a case study in the management of a privately owned irrigation dam in Colorado. The structure's design, construction, and maintenance history offer insights into the challenges and considerations involved in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of such water management infrastructure. With its location in a region prone to high-risk assessments, the ongoing monitoring and regulation of Beaver-Huffington serve as a reminder of the critical role that dams play in balancing water supply needs with environmental and community safety concerns.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

561

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

ESCALANTE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

523

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

44
       
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.