Rito Hondo Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Rito Hondo, located in Hinsdale, Colorado, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1956 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 44 feet and a storage capacity of 766 acre-feet, this dam on the Rito Hondo stream offers a serene fish and wildlife pond spanning 41 acres. Despite its critical role in providing recreation opportunities, the dam's condition assessment is currently categorized as unsatisfactory, with a high hazard potential.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 35 feet, and is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is inspected annually to ensure compliance with state regulations. However, the last inspection in August 2020 revealed an unsatisfactory condition, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards associated with this recreational water resource in South Fork, Colorado.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's crucial to monitor and advocate for the maintenance and safety of structures like Rito Hondo to ensure their continued functionality and protection of surrounding communities. By staying informed about the condition and management of dams like Rito Hondo, we can contribute to the preservation of these vital water resources for both recreational enjoyment and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

RITO HONDO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

766

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.