Gray's Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Gray's Creek, also known as O'Haver Lake, is a picturesque water resource located in Chaffee County, Colorado.


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Summary

This local government-owned dam was designed by Charles H Mitchell and the USDA NRCS, with a primary purpose of providing recreation opportunities for the community. Completed in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a structural height of 28 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 193 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 268 acre-feet.

Situated along Gray Creek-OS in Poncha Springs, Gray's Creek offers a serene setting for fishing and wildlife observation. The dam boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet, ensuring the safe release of excess water during peak discharges. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's fair condition assessment and moderate risk assessment suggest the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safety standards.

With its historical significance and recreational value, Gray's Creek serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the preservation and proper management of dams like Gray's Creek are essential for ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

GRAY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

268

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.