Santa Maria Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Maria is a private dam located in South Fork, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1911, this earth dam stands at 102 feet tall and stretches 1250 feet in length, providing storage for up to 49,400 acre-feet of water. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, irrigation, and recreation, making it a vital resource for the local community.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020, Santa Maria is closely regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and six outlet valves, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2100 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Santa Maria continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting various activities in the area.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Mineral County area can appreciate Santa Maria's historical significance and ongoing importance in water management. As a key feature in the Boulder Creek-OS system, this dam symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable water usage for generations to come.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

102

River Or Stream

BOULDER CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

525

Hydraulic Height

102

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

49400

Structural Height

102

Outlet Gates

Valve - 6

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

102
       
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.