Summary
Purse Reservoir No. 1, is a state-regulated earth dam located in Baca County, Colorado. Completed in 1908, this reservoir serves primarily for recreation, with a focus on fish and wildlife pond activities. With a maximum storage capacity of 40,654 acre-feet and a normal storage of 22,165 acre-feet, Two Buttes covers a surface area of 1,182 acres and has a drainage area of 470 square miles.
Despite its historical significance, Two Buttes poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory in terms of its condition. With a hydraulic height of 63 feet and a structural height of 106 feet, the reservoir features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 46,200 cubic feet per second, making it critical for emergency management and risk assessment in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Two Buttes to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
1864 |
Dam Height |
96 |
River Or Stream |
TWO BUTTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1182 |
Hydraulic Height |
63 |
Drainage Area |
470 |
Nid Storage |
40654 |
Structural Height |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
106 |
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.
Two Buttes