Turks Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Turks Pond, located in Baca County, Colorado, was completed in 1952 and primarily serves as a recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

With a dam height of 32 feet and a hydraulic height of 38 feet, this earth dam spans 1300 feet and has a storage capacity of 544 acre-feet. The pond covers 33 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 313 acre-feet, making it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Although Turks Pond is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections, its hazard potential is considered low and its overall condition is assessed as fair. Despite the high risk assessment score of 2, management measures for this recreational facility are not specified in the available data. The dam does not have a spillway, but its maximum discharge capacity is reported as 5850 cubic feet per second, providing some assurance against potential flooding risks in the area.

While Turks Pond offers a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike, its infrastructure and management practices may benefit from further scrutiny and enhancement to ensure the safety and sustainability of its recreational use. As a beloved feature of the landscape in Baca County, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be essential to preserve the beauty and functionality of this water resource for generations to come.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

HORSE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

544

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

38
       
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.