Patterson #2 is a privately owned dam located in Lazear, Colorado, along the Leroux Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1908, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 149 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam has a fair condition assessment and a low hazard potential, with a maximum discharge of 210 cubic feet per second.
Despite its relatively low risk level, Patterson #2 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam does not have a spillway, but features slide and uncontrolled outlet gates for water release. With a surface area of 7 acres, this structure plays a crucial role in water supply management for the surrounding area and supports agricultural activities in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Patterson #2 serves as a noteworthy example of early 20th-century dam engineering in Colorado. Its location in the picturesque Delta County adds to its significance, as it contributes to the irrigation infrastructure along Leroux Creek. While the dam is deemed to have a fair condition and a low hazard potential, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight ensure its safe operation and maintenance for the benefit of the local community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
1025 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
LEROUX CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
149 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |