Dog Fish Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dog Fish Lake, located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1899, this Earth dam structure stands at 22 feet high and spans 225 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 360 acre-feet. The lake is situated along Leroux Creek and serves as a vital water source for agricultural needs in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Dog Fish Lake is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a surface area of 30 acres and a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, the reservoir provides water for irrigation and general water supply purposes. Although it lacks a spillway, the lake has an outlet with slide and uncontrolled gates for water release when needed.

Dog Fish Lake's risk assessment categorizes it as high (2), indicating the need for effective risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and maintain the reservoir's integrity. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of this historic irrigation reservoir in Delta County, Colorado, can help us appreciate the vital role it plays in sustaining agricultural activities and water supply in the region.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

LEROUX CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

360

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.