South Suburban Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Suburban, also known as Mesa, is a local government-owned dam located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.


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Summary

This earth dam was designed by H.I. REID and completed in 1932 with a primary purpose of water supply. The dam stands at 55 feet high with a hydraulic height of 42 feet, providing a storage capacity of 303 acre-feet and a normal storage of 231 acre-feet.

Situated on North Cheyenne Creek, South Suburban is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to be implemented. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, last revised in December 2020, to guide response and evacuation protocols.

South Suburban serves as a critical water resource infrastructure in El Paso County, Colorado, supporting the community's water supply needs. With its strategic location and historical significance, the dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource practices for climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

1805

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

NORTH CHEYENNE CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

303

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
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.