Ryan Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Muddy Creek Sueno
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Ryan is a privately owned dam located in Las Animas, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches 379 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet, providing water for fish and wildlife ponds, as well as irrigation purposes.
Situated on the North Fork Vermejo River, Ryan Dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a high risk due to its condition not being rated and its last inspection dating back to 1992. The dam does not have a spillway, but is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 733 cubic feet per second.
Ryan Dam is a crucial water resource in the region, serving the community of Vermejo Park and surrounding areas. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, efforts are needed to ensure the safety and proper maintenance of this vital infrastructure for sustainable water management and climate resilience in the area.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
379 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
N FORK VERMEJO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Ryan