Bullfrog Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bullfrog is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Montrose, Colorado, along the Roubideau Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this Earth dam stands at 37 feet tall and stretches 357 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was last assessed as unsatisfactory in 2015, indicating a need for maintenance and repair to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

The dam lacks a spillway but is equipped with slide and uncontrolled outlet gates. With its primary purpose being irrigation, Bullfrog serves the surrounding agricultural community by providing water for crops in the area. Although the risk assessment for this dam is considered high, proper risk management measures have not been specified, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards.

As a key structure in Colorado's water resource infrastructure, Bullfrog plays a crucial role in supporting local agricultural activities. With its location in a region prone to climate variability and the impacts of climate change, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this dam is essential for sustainable water management practices and the resilience of the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

357

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

ROUBIDEAU CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

34

Nid Storage

173

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.