Hopkins Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hopkins is a private irrigation dam located in Garfield, Colorado, near Glenwood Springs.


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Summary

Built in 2020, the Earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and stretches 600 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving the surrounding agricultural lands. However, with a significant hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment from its last inspection in 2008, there are concerns about its safety and maintenance.

Owned and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Hopkins is designed to withstand maximum discharges of up to 285 cubic feet per second, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 19 feet. The dam is equipped with one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for water release. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, indicating a need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment.

Despite its age and condition assessment, Hopkins serves as a critical water resource for the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing inspections and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and reliability of structures like Hopkins is essential for sustainable water management in Colorado's dynamic hydrological landscape.

Year Completed

2020

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

LANDIS CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.