Golding Reservoir Report
Nearby: Minkler, Eldon Det. #1 Glen Lawson #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in El Paso County, Colorado, the Golding, Charles dam stands as a testament to human engineering for flood risk reduction since its completion in 1971.
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Summary
With a height of 18 feet and a length of 500 feet, this earth-type structure serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, in addition to its primary function of flood risk reduction. Situated along the Little Horse-TR river, this dam has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres, serving the community of Las Animas and surrounding areas.
Owned privately, the Golding, Charles dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being rated as low hazard potential, the dam is classified as high risk (2) due to its location and surrounding conditions. With a spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Although the condition assessment of the Golding, Charles dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," its historical significance and continued operation highlight the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Colorado, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities for sustainable water resource management in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE HORSE-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Golding, Charles