Gagliardi Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hignio Cordova #1 Furness Arroyo
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gagliardi, a privately owned irrigation dam located in Las Animas, Colorado, stands as a vital structure on the Purgatoire River-TR.
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Summary
Built in 1944, this earth-type dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 1420 feet in length, providing essential irrigation water storage of up to 226 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Gagliardi remains regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 7194 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 231 feet, Gagliardi's hydraulic and structural heights measure at 20 and 25 feet, respectively. The dam's normal storage capacity of 101 acre-feet serves the local agricultural community in managing water resources effectively. Although last inspected in January 2014, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years, Gagliardi's risk assessment is moderate (3), prompting continued monitoring and possible risk management measures to maintain its stability and performance in the face of changing climate conditions.
As a crucial piece of water infrastructure in the region, Gagliardi plays a significant role in providing irrigation water to support agricultural activities in Las Animas County, Colorado. With its controlled outlets and uncontrolled spillway, the dam serves as a reliable resource for water storage and distribution, highlighting the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to ensure water security and climate resilience for the local community.
Year Completed |
1944 |
Dam Length |
1420 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
PURGATOIRE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
226 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
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.
Gagliardi