Huajatolla Hills Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Huajatolla Hills, located in Huerfano County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1968 for water supply purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 29 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, impounds Huajatolla Creek and creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4 acres, the dam serves irrigation, recreation, and water supply needs in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Huajatolla Hills Dam has a high risk assessment rating due to its age and lack of recent inspections. The dam, which has a spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 5,000 cubic feet per second, is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," there is a need for updated assessments and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure in the face of potential climate change impacts.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Huajatolla Hills Dam can appreciate its role in providing essential water supplies for the region while recognizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions. As a key infrastructure for water management in the area, the dam underscores the interconnectedness between water resources, climate resilience, and the need for proactive measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of water in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
HUAJATOLLA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
49 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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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