Fuchs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in Rio Grande, Colorado, the Fuchs dam stands as a testament to irrigation infrastructure since its completion in 1930.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of irrigation, this earth dam spans 720 feet in length and reaches a height of 28 feet, providing essential water storage for agricultural needs. The dam sits on the E. Fork Pinos Creek, serving as a vital resource for the community of DEL NORTE.

Despite its age, the Fuchs dam remains in satisfactory condition, as evidenced by its last inspection in October 2020. With a high hazard potential but moderate risk assessment, the dam is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet for water release and an uncontrolled spillway measuring 81 feet in width. Its normal storage capacity of 237 acre-feet supports a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge of 795 cubic feet per second.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Fuchs dam stands as a historical landmark in Colorado's irrigation landscape. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, this earth dam plays a crucial role in water management for agricultural purposes along the E. Fork Pinos Creek, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource management challenges.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

E. FORK PINOS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

379

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

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.