Columbine Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Columbine, also known as Reynolds, is a privately owned dam located in Hotchkiss, Colorado.


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Summary

This earth dam was completed in 1950 for the primary purpose of irrigation and water supply. Standing at a height of 26 feet with a length of 400 feet, Columbine has a storage capacity of 214 acre-feet and serves the surrounding area with a normal storage of 175 acre-feet.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Columbine is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as being in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2016. Despite its age, Columbine meets guidelines for emergency action plans, but risk assessments indicate a high risk level, prompting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures.

Located on Leroux Creek, Columbine plays a crucial role in irrigation and water supply for the region. With its historical significance and importance for local agriculture, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind this structure and the efforts to maintain its integrity for the community's benefit.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

LEROUX CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

214

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.