Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-12 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-12, also known as Boys Ranch, is a key flood risk reduction structure located in El Paso County, Colorado.
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Summary
Constructed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a structural height of 37 feet, with a length of 2153 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 440 acre-feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-12 has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its continued functionality and safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 150 feet, and it is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 2377 cubic feet per second, providing crucial flood protection for the Big Sandy Creek-TR watershed.
Located in the city of Ramah, Colorado, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-12 plays a vital role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. As a significant infrastructure project designed for flood risk reduction, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local agencies and the USDA NRCS to safeguard communities and ecosystems in the Big Sandy Creek watershed.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
2153 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
440 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-12