Elk Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elk Park is a crucial water resource located in Cedaredge, Colorado, managed by the local government for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1951, stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 265 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 97 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to divert water from the Surface Creek-TR for agricultural use in the area.

Despite its age, Elk Park dam is in fair condition as assessed in 2013, with a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment rating of 2. The dam lacks a spillway but has slide and uncontrolled outlet gates for water release. The surrounding area covers 17 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 484 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with state regulations.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Delta County, Colorado, can appreciate Elk Park as a vital irrigation infrastructure supporting local agriculture. With its strategic location in Cedaredge and effective management by the local government, this dam plays a significant role in water distribution and utilization for the community's agricultural needs. As climate change continues to impact water availability, monitoring and maintenance of Elk Park will be essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

SURFACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

265

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.