Trio Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Trio, located in Delta, Colorado, is a private dam designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a length of 325 feet, providing a storage capacity of 232 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, small fish ponds, irrigation, and recreation, making it a vital resource for the local community.

With a low hazard potential but an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of 2014, Trio is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. Despite its high risk assessment rating, the dam has no spillway and relies on slide gates for outlet control. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures and emergency preparedness for this critical water resource.

Trio's location on the Surface Creek-TR river and its proximity to the city of Cedaredge underscore its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Colorado. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and support the maintenance and safety of dams like Trio to ensure sustainable water management and protection of communities against potential risks and emergencies.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

SURFACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

232

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.