Hoopengarner Sw #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hoopengarner Sw #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Baca County, Colorado, near Deerfield, Kansas.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 985 feet, it has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2 square miles.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as high (2). However, its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated" as the last inspection dates back to March 1987. The dam does not have a spillway but has a spillway width of 100 feet. While the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified, the dam is under state regulation with permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Overall, Hoopengarner Sw #1 is an intriguing structure with its multiple uses and significant history. This dam poses a high risk due to its outdated inspection records and lack of recent condition assessments. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find this site to be a focal point for monitoring and potentially enhancing safety measures to mitigate any potential risks associated with its aging infrastructure.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

985

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.