Ward Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Ward Creek, located in Cedaredge, Colorado, is a critical water resource for irrigation and recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The earth dam, standing at 45 feet with a hydraulic height of 43 feet, was completed in 1957 and boasts a storage capacity of 482 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 35 feet, ensuring the efficient management of water flow.

With a drainage area of 6 square miles, Ward Creek offers a surface area of 25 acres for recreational activities. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's fair condition assessment as of August 2020 ensures its structural integrity. In case of emergencies, the dam is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for efficient water release.

Managed by private owners but regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Ward Creek Dam plays a crucial role in water management within the region. Its strategic location and moderate risk assessment make it a key asset for both agricultural and leisure activities in the area.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

880

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

WARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

482

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.