Hermosa Valley Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walton Det. #1 Lake Dorothy
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in the picturesque Hermosa Valley in Las Animas, Colorado, this privately-owned dam on the San Francisco Creek-TR serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1922, the Earth-type dam stands at 46 feet high and stretches 810 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1363 acre-feet. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, with its last inspection dating back to October 4, 1990.
Even though Hermosa Valley dam has not been formally assessed in recent years, its importance for the local community cannot be overlooked. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1289 cubic feet per second and a normal storage level of 1000 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural and emergency purposes in the region. While the risk assessment currently indicates a high risk level of 2, the presence of necessary emergency preparedness measures and management protocols could further enhance the dam's safety and resilience.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hermosa Valley dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic irrigation structure in need of modern evaluation and maintenance. Its serene location amidst the natural beauty of the valley, coupled with its functional significance for the surrounding community, underscores the delicate balance between water management, infrastructure upkeep, and environmental stewardship. As discussions around water security and climate change intensify, the future of Hermosa Valley dam and its role in sustaining local ecosystems and livelihoods will undoubtedly be of interest and concern to all stakeholders involved.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
SAN FRANCISCO CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
121 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Nid Storage |
1363 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
46 |
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.
Hermosa Valley