Sunny Brook Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fort Lyon Control Basin Thurston Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sunny Brook, located in Lamar, Colorado, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Completed in 1915, this Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 910 feet. With a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a normal storage of 81 acre-feet, Sunny Brook serves as a crucial resource for water management in the area.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Sunny Brook is considered to have a high risk level due to certain factors. While the dam has not been inspected since 1979 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it is still regulated, inspected, and enforced by the State agencies to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations. With a drainage area of 0 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1259 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in managing water flow in the Arkansas River-OS.
As a significant structure in the region, Sunny Brook represents a blend of historical significance and modern-day water resource management. With its unique design and functional purpose, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of efficient irrigation systems in sustaining agricultural practices and mitigating the impact of climate change on water resources.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
910 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
ARKANSAS RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Sunny Brook