Ella Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ella, a privately owned irrigation dam located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, has been a crucial water resource infrastructure since its completion in 1911.


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Summary

Situated along Leroux Creek, Ella serves multiple purposes including irrigation and water supply, with a storage capacity of 195 acre-feet. The dam is classified as an Earth dam with a height of 20 feet and a length of 400 feet, providing essential water management for agricultural activities in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Ella poses a high risk due to its age and the potential for failure, as highlighted by a risk assessment rating of 2. The dam lacks a spillway and relies on slide gates for outlet control, raising concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events and ensure downstream safety. With regular state inspections and enforcement in place, Ella remains under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to protect both the dam and the surrounding community.

As water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates, the monitoring and maintenance of dams like Ella are crucial in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands. Understanding the importance of infrastructure resilience and risk mitigation is essential for safeguarding our water resources and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With proper oversight and investment in maintenance and emergency preparedness, dams like Ella can continue to play a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply in the region, while also adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

LEROUX CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

195

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.