Beaver-Huffington, also known as Beaver Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Mesa County, Colorado.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Aspen Leaf Cabin
|
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Columbine Campground
|
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Columbine Campground - Ouray RD
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