Kennicott Slough Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kennicott Slough, located in Cedaredge, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation structure that plays a crucial role in the management of water resources in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a hydraulic height of 35 feet, with a storage capacity of 1034 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Kennicott Slough is irrigation, serving the needs of the local agriculture industry by providing water from the Kiser Creek-TR river.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Kennicott Slough poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway type and the moderate risk assessment rating it has received. The dam has a surface area of 76 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, with a maximum discharge capacity of 553 cubic feet per second. Although it is under state regulation and inspection, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures. It is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to be aware of the importance and potential risks associated with Kennicott Slough in maintaining sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

1246

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

KISER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1034

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.