Cove Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cove D.D. & E. Wise
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cove Lake, located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1918.
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Summary
With a capacity of 90 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, Cove Lake plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. The dam, standing at 28 feet tall and 354 feet long, serves as a vital water resource along the Morapos Creek-TR watershed.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Cove Lake is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 18 feet, ensures proper water flow management during peak discharge events. The reservoir's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard this essential water source for the community.
Cove Lake, situated 45 miles from Craig, Colorado, exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability in the region. As a key component of the local irrigation infrastructure, this earth dam reservoir serves as a critical lifeline for farmers and ranchers, highlighting the intricate balance between water supply, regulatory oversight, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1918 |
Dam Length |
354 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
MORAPOS CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cove Lake