Jack Williams Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Jack Williams, also known as Fish Pond, is a privately owned water structure located in Las Animas, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation. With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 179 acre-feet, the dam sits on the Tejana Arroyo river and covers a surface area of 17 acres.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Jack Williams is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam has a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 32 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 7200 cubic feet per second. Although it is not equipped with a spillway, the dam's spillway width is recorded at 112 feet. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated" as the last inspection took place in February 1992.

Located in a picturesque setting with a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, Jack Williams serves as an important water resource and recreational area in the region. With its diverse usage for both human and ecological needs, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for the well-being of the community. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, Jack Williams remains a vital asset in the fight against environmental risks and the preservation of water security in Colorado.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TEJANA ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

179

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
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.