Spring Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Spring Creek in Colorado is a privately-owned fish and wildlife pond with a low hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1932, stands at a height of 8 feet and has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet and a drainage area of 29 square miles, the dam serves as a critical resource for the surrounding ecosystem.

Located in Mineral County, Spring Creek spans over 33 acres with a maximum discharge of 273 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 10 feet, and it has not been modified in recent years. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been inspected since August 2006, raising concerns about its current state and the need for updated safety measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spring Creek presents an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. As a vital habitat for fish and wildlife, the dam's structural integrity and regulatory oversight are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment. With its historical significance and potential risks, Spring Creek serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing water resource management with environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

2070

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

29

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.