West #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West #1, located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1950 by RJH Consultants, this structure is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place. The dam stands at a height of 49 feet, with a hydraulic height of 41 feet and a structural height of 43 feet, providing a storage capacity of 616 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 735 cubic feet per second.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, West #1 lacks a spillway, relying on slide and uncontrolled gates as outlet structures. The dam's high risk level is attributed to its location on Jay Creek-TR and its limited spillway capacity. With a surface area of 31 acres and a normal storage capacity of 470 acre-feet, West #1 serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation in the Delta County area. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections and emergency action plans are necessary to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

JAY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

41

Nid Storage

616

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.