Little Grouse Reservoir Report

Nearby: Kiser Ryan

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Grouse is a private irrigation dam located in Delta, Colorado, along Young's Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Little Grouse poses a high risk due to its location and the surrounding area's vulnerability to climate change impacts. With a maximum discharge of 240 cubic feet per second and no spillway in place, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are crucial for minimizing potential downstream impacts in the event of a breach or failure. The dam's inspection frequency of 6 years and its last assessment date in September 2015 highlight the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to safeguard its integrity and functionality.

As a key water resource infrastructure in the region, Little Grouse plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply reliability. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals can appreciate the complexities involved in managing and maintaining dams like Little Grouse, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions and the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term resilience and adaptability.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

805

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

YOUNG'S CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.