Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lemansany Detention No. 2 Trojanovich
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-5, also known as Helatki, is a local government-owned structure located in El Paso County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Ramah.
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Summary
This flood risk reduction dam, completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 1477 feet. With a storage capacity of 833 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the structure is inspected regularly, with the most recent assessment in July 2020 concluding that it is in satisfactory condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and is equipped with outlet gates for water management. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is an integral part of the Big Sandy Creek watershed's water resource management strategy.
Overall, Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-5 serves as a vital infrastructure piece in the region, maintaining the safety and integrity of the surrounding area in the face of potential flooding events. As an Earth-type dam with a relatively low hazard potential, but a moderate risk assessment rating, it highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With its history of successful operation and satisfactory condition, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government and regulatory agencies in safeguarding the water resources and climate resilience of the Big Sandy Creek watershed.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1477 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
67 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
833 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
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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.
Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-5