Spruce Lake #1 (Upper) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Spruce Lake #1 (Upper) in Colorado, nestled in Mineral County, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1926 for irrigation purposes along the South Fork Rio Grande.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet, this structure serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area. The dam's condition is assessed as fair, with a low hazard potential, making it a reliable asset for water storage and management.

Despite its age, Spruce Lake #1 (Upper) continues to play a crucial role in sustaining fish and wildlife populations in the region. With a surface area of 10 acres and a normal storage capacity of 111 acre-feet, this reservoir supports a variety of ecological habitats. The dam's inspection frequency of every 6 years ensures that it is well-maintained and in compliance with regulatory standards, underscoring its importance in maintaining water resources and environmental balance.

While the risk assessment for Spruce Lake #1 (Upper) indicates a high potential for adverse events, the dam's low hazard level and fair condition suggest that it remains a reliable and safe structure. With a dedicated agency overseeing its operation, inspection, and enforcement, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in Colorado. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spruce Lake #1 (Upper) offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of environmental conservation and infrastructure development.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

295

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

S FK RIO GRANDE-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

166

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.