Hughes Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hughes is a privately owned dam located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, along Three Mile Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this earth dam stands at 18 feet high and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional recreational benefits. The dam has a storage capacity of 416 acre-feet and a normal storage of 88 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 24 acres and draining a 7-square mile area.

Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, Hughes is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2019. The dam has undergone multiple modifications over the years, including structural, hydraulic, and mechanical improvements to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 16 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Hughes remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Overall, Hughes dam stands as a crucial piece of water infrastructure in Garfield County, Colorado, providing irrigation water and recreational opportunities to the community. With ongoing maintenance and periodic inspections, the dam continues to play a significant role in water resource management along Three Mile Creek, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate and water resource enthusiasts.

Years Modified

1985 - Structural, 1993 - Hydraulic, 1993 - Structural, 2000 - Mechanical, 2000 - Structural

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

THREE MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

416

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.