Poage Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Poage is a privately owned Earth dam located in Rio Grande, Colorado, specifically in the city of South Fork.


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Summary

Built in 1906 for irrigation purposes, the dam spans 494 feet in length and stands at a height of 27 feet, with a storage capacity of 602 acre-feet. It is situated on the Beaver Creek and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement activities all being carried out by the state.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in July 2017. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 421 feet and is equipped with a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Despite its age, the dam poses a moderate risk level and undergoes inspections every 6 years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance of Poage Dam and its vital role in supporting irrigation, fish and wildlife habitats, and recreational activities in the region. With its unique design and location on the Beaver Creek, Poage serves as a valuable example of early water management infrastructure in Colorado, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain and regulate such structures for the benefit of both local communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

494

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

602

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.