Lone Cabin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lone Cabin, a privately owned irrigation dam located in Paonia, Colorado, stands as a crucial water resource structure along the Minnesota Creek-TR.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1936, this earth dam with stone core serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond maintenance, and irrigation. With a height of 37 feet and a length of 697 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres, supporting the local agricultural community.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment, Lone Cabin is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safety and operational efficiency. The dam's outlet gates include a slide (sluice gate) and uncontrolled spillway, with a maximum discharge capacity of 61 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a high risk level (2), highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness measures.

In the event of any unforeseen emergencies, the structure's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unspecified. However, with regular inspections, a history of state oversight, and a strategic location in the Sacramento District, Lone Cabin continues to play a vital role in water management and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

697

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.