Willow is a private dam located in Delta, Colorado, specifically in the city of Hotchkiss.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at 28 feet high with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. It serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and a normal storage of 120 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 860 feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, impacting a drainage area of 1 square mile.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Willow poses a high risk due to its location and design features. The dam has no spillway and its outlet gates consist of a slide and uncontrolled mechanisms. The dam has been inspected as recently as July 2020 and is regulated by Colorado's Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While it has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, the risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans for Willow are not clearly documented in available data. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams in Colorado may find Willow's profile intriguing for further study and analysis.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
860 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
LEROUX CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |