Bolen Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bolen, located in Mesa County, Colorado, is a vital water supply structure on Kannah Creek.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and was completed in 1973. With a storage capacity of 1223 acre-feet and a normal storage of 535 acre-feet, Bolen plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Bolen is assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in July 2019. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled outlet gates. Its risk assessment is marked as high (2), emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this key water infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bolen serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. As a key component of the local water supply system, Bolen's condition and risk profile underscore the ongoing challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing demands.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

KANNAH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

81

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1223

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.