Spruce Lake #2 (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spruce Lake #2 (Lower) is a privately owned dam located in Mineral, Colorado, specifically in the city of South Fork.


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Summary

Completed in 1926, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres. The dam stands at a height of 19 feet, with a maximum discharge of 543 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Spruce Lake #2 (Lower) has been assessed to be in fair condition as of September 2018. With a risk assessment rating of High (2), there may be potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. The dam is under state regulation and inspection, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to maintain its structural integrity and safety standards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance of Spruce Lake #2 (Lower) as an early 20th-century irrigation infrastructure in Colorado. Its location along the South Fork Rio Grande River and its contribution to fish and wildlife conservation add to its importance in the local ecosystem. Monitoring and maintaining this dam will be crucial in ensuring water security and sustainability in the region for years to come.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

S FK RIO GRANDE-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

160

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.