Carl Smith Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carl Smith, also known as Patterson #3, is a privately owned dam located in Delta, Colorado, specifically in the city of Lazear.


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Summary

Completed in the year 2000, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 52 feet with a hydraulic height of 59 feet and a structural height of 70 feet. Its primary purpose is for irrigation, serving the Leroux Creek with a storage capacity of 1104 acre-feet and a normal storage of 920 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 44 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 2475 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Carl Smith has a state-regulated status with permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high with a fair condition assessment as of June 2020. In case of emergencies, the dam has slide and uncontrolled outlet gates, and an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in February 2011. Risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

2350

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

LEROUX CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

59

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1104

Structural Height

70

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

70
       
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.