Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-19 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-19, also known as Cain, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Matheson, Elbert County, Colorado.
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Summary
Constructed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a structural height of 36 feet, with a length of 1107 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 185 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1628 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing the flow of Big Sandy Creek-TR.
Despite its age, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-19 is in satisfactory condition with a low hazard potential. The dam underwent its last inspection in October 2020 and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. While the risk assessment for this structure is moderate, the emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not specified in the available data. Overall, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-19 serves as a reliable asset for flood risk reduction in the area, providing essential protection for the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1107 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
334 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
36 |
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-19