Sharps Orchard Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sharps Orchard, located in Huerfano County, Colorado, is a private irrigation dam built in 1896 on the Walsen Arroyo-OS river/stream.


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Summary

With a height of 16 feet and a length of 2050 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation. The dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Sharps Orchard dam was deemed unsatisfactory during the last inspection in December 2012. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1470 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans currently in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Sharps Orchard may be intrigued by its historical significance as an early irrigation infrastructure in Colorado. The dam's location in the scenic Fowler city area adds to its appeal, but the need for further inspection, maintenance, and risk management measures to ensure the safety and longevity of this vital water resource is evident.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

2050

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

WALSEN ARROYO-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.