Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-16, also known as Sharps Flat, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Elbert, Colorado.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1959 by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 1345 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 405 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4591 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Owned and regulated by local government authorities, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-16 is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020. In case of emergencies, the structure is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and needle outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks effectively.
The picturesque location of Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-16, situated in the scenic surroundings of Elbert County, Colorado, adds to its significance as a crucial water resource management infrastructure. With its history dating back to the late 1950s, this dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, protecting the local community and natural habitat along the Big Sandy Creek-TR. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like S-16 play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the adverse effects of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1345 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
776 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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-16