Summitville Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Summitville Tailings, also known as Cleveland-Cliffs Tailings Pond, is a state-owned water supply structure located in Capulin, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 80 feet and spans a length of 675 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 450 acre-feet. Situated along the Wightman Fork river, the dam serves as a vital resource for water supply purposes in the Rio Grande County.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Summitville Tailings is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its operational integrity. Equipped with slide gates for outlet control, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 61 feet. With a drainage area of 4 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 5940 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

While categorized as having a moderate risk level, Summitville Tailings remains a key component of Colorado's water infrastructure. The dam's compliance with state permitting and inspection requirements, as well as its strategic location within the Sacramento District, highlights its importance in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential climate-related risks in the area.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

WIGHTMAN FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

80

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

83

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

83
       
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.