Fountain Valley No 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fountain Valley No 2, also known as Big Johnson, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in El Paso County, Colorado.


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Summary

Constructed in 1910 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 54 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 4250 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Fountain Creek-TR, serves the primary purpose of irrigation, storing water for agricultural use in the region.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of February 2021, Fountain Valley No 2 is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 120 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 4850 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

As a key component of the local water management infrastructure, Fountain Valley No 2 plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. With its historical significance and continued importance in water resource management, this dam serves as a testament to the lasting impact of early irrigation projects in Colorado.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

2858

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

FOUNTAIN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

270

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

4250

Structural Height

69

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

69
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.