La Jara - Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

La Jara - Dam No.


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Summary

1, also known as La Jara - Main Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Conejos County, Colorado, along the La Jara Creek. Completed in 1906, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a hydraulic height of 48 feet, with a structural height of 54 feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, irrigation, and recreation, with a primary focus on recreation.

With a storage capacity of 14,055 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,241 acres, La Jara - Dam No. 1 provides essential water resources for the surrounding area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 40 feet and two slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite being assessed as in fair condition as of June 2019, the dam is categorized with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its safety and effectiveness in water resource management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, La Jara - Dam No. 1 presents an intriguing case study of a historic state-owned dam in Colorado that plays a vital role in providing water for irrigation, fish and wildlife habitats, and recreational activities. The dam's location on the La Jara Creek and its significant storage capacity highlight its importance in water management within the region. Ongoing inspections and risk assessments are crucial to maintain the dam's integrity and safeguard against potential hazards, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

LA JARA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1241

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

40

Nid Storage

14055

Structural Height

54

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

54
       
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.