Leon Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leon Park, located in Cedaredge, Colorado, is a private irrigation dam on the Surface Creek-TR river with a history dating back to 1894.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and 325 feet long, providing crucial water storage of 263 acre-feet for agricultural purposes in the region. The dam's spillway, although of a non-standard type, has a width of 10 feet, ensuring controlled water release when needed.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection in 2015 rated its condition as fair, highlighting the ongoing need for maintenance and risk management measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 251 cubic feet per second, Leon Park plays a vital role in water resource management in the area, emphasizing the importance of its continued upkeep and monitoring by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

As a significant feature in the local water infrastructure, Leon Park provides a glimpse into the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining aging dams for irrigation purposes. With its historical significance and crucial role in supporting agricultural activities, efforts to enhance its safety and efficiency underscore the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1894

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

SURFACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

263

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.