Needle Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Needle Creek, located in Saguache, Colorado, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of irrigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 90 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,298 acre-feet. With a surface area of 42 acres and a maximum discharge rate of 966 cubic feet per second, Needle Creek plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection, livestock, and small fish ponds in the area.

Although classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of July 2014. It is regularly inspected by state regulators and meets all permitting and enforcement requirements. The dam has no spillway and is equipped with slide gates for water release. With a drainage area of 10 square miles, Needle Creek serves as an important water resource for the community and contributes to the overall climate resilience of the region.

Overall, Needle Creek is a vital infrastructure for water management and agricultural practices in the Gunnison area. Its strategic location and design make it a key asset for irrigation and other water-related activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Needle Creek will be essential to ensure the sustainable use of water for generations to come.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

64

River Or Stream

NEEDLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

86

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

1298

Structural Height

90

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

90
       
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.