Little Johnny Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Little Johnny, located in Canon City, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1894 for irrigation purposes on Wilson Creek.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a height of 9.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Little Johnny serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and water supply for the surrounding area.

Despite being over a century old, Little Johnny remains in good condition with a structural height of 10 feet and a spillway width of 40 feet for uncontrolled release of excess water. The dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and has a drainage area of 0.16 square miles, making it a vital resource for the local community. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks a formal emergency action plan, its operations are overseen by the USDA NRCS to ensure safety and functionality for ongoing irrigation needs.

With its historical significance and continued importance for water resource management in Fremont County, Colorado, Little Johnny stands as a testament to the enduring value of infrastructure built for agricultural and environmental purposes. As climate change impacts water availability and usage patterns, maintaining and potentially upgrading dams like Little Johnny will be crucial for sustainable water management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the role that structures like Little Johnny play in balancing human needs with ecological health in a changing world.

Year Completed

1894

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

9.5

River Or Stream

Wilson Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.