Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-23 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Elbert, Colorado, the Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-23, also known as Lasater North, is a local government-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1959, stands at a height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a structural height of 29 feet. It spans 1445 feet and has a storage capacity of 704 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential.
Situated in the Big Sandy Creek-TR, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2586 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has been deemed to meet safety guidelines and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway to manage excess water flow. With a drainage area of 5 square miles, the dam covers a surface area of 52 acres and provides essential flood protection to the surrounding city of Matheson. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience will find the Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-23 an intriguing example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks and safeguard local communities against natural disasters.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1445 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
704 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Big Sandy Creek Watershed N-23