Bonnie Meade Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Pueblo, Colorado, Bonnie Meade is a privately owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 470 feet, providing a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet for the Greenhorn Creek-OS. The dam has a low hazard potential and is in fair condition, with the last inspection conducted in June 2019.

Although primarily used for irrigation, Bonnie Meade also serves purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1262 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 24 acres. Despite being regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, the dam has not undergone modification in recent years and does not have a spillway.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bonnie Meade offers a glimpse into the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions. With its historical significance and role in supporting local agriculture, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that water infrastructure plays in ensuring the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

GREENHORN CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

310

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds