Hot Springs Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Hot Springs Creek is a privately owned dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The Earth-type dam, completed in 1956, stands at a height of 45 feet and has a storage capacity of 587 acre-feet. The dam spans 250 feet in length and has a hydraulic height of 50 feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

With a low hazard potential but fair condition assessment, Hot Springs Creek dam is regularly inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources for irrigation purposes, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1300 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area benefits from the reservoir's 29-acre surface area and its ability to store up to 442 acre-feet of water under normal conditions.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Hot Springs Creek to ensure the sustainable management of water supplies in regions like Gunnison, Colorado. The dam's location in a high-risk area underscores the need for continued risk assessment and management measures to safeguard against potential emergencies. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Hot Springs Creek serves as a vital resource for irrigation and highlights the intersection of water management, climate considerations, and regulatory oversight in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

HOT SPRINGS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

587

Structural Height

60

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

60
       
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.