Creager Reservoir Report

Nearby: Beeman J. M.

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Creager, located in Huerfano, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the DWR.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at 31 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 40 feet and a structural height of 48 feet. It serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation, with a storage capacity of 644 acre-feet and a surface area of 32 acres.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Creager poses a high risk due to its location on Bruff Creek-OS in Gardner, Colorado. The dam has a spillway width of 74 feet and a maximum discharge of 1,860 cubic feet per second. Its last inspection took place in October 2011, with a frequency of once every 6 years. Although no emergency action plan is currently in place, the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are yet to be prepared, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with this structure.

In the realm of water resource and climate management, Creager serves as a crucial irrigation infrastructure in Colorado, providing essential water supply for agricultural and recreational purposes. As enthusiasts in this field, understanding the design, purpose, and risk assessment of dams like Creager is imperative for sustainable water resource management and disaster prevention in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1313

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

BRUFF CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

644

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

48
       
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.