Hankison Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hankison is a privately owned dam located in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, along the Walden Hollow river.


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Summary

Completed in 1951 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 181 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes, with a surface area of 8 acres and a maximum discharge rate of 164 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of 2013, Hankison is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. Its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water resource infrastructure. With its historical significance and continued relevance for irrigation and recreation, Hankison represents a vital component of Colorado's water management system in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

WALDEN HOLLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

181

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

44
       
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.