Russel Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in Las Animas, Colorado, the Russel dam, also known as Russell Lake, is a privately owned structure designed by Ralph Adkins for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 260 feet, with a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and recreation.

The Russel dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2015. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the structure has not been modified in recent years, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are yet to be developed.

With its picturesque location along Crooked Creek-OS and its vital role in supporting various water resource activities in the area, Russel dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this structure intriguing for its design, purpose, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its safety and sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

480

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Drum - 0, Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds