Costelloe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Costelloe is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Snyder, Colorado, along the Dead Horse Draw river.


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Summary

Built in 1931, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 640 feet, providing a storage capacity of 248 acre-feet for agricultural purposes. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Costelloe is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 201 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2940 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Costelloe has not undergone any recent modifications or emergency action plan updates. The last inspection in 2015 deemed the structure to be in satisfactory condition, meeting regulatory guidelines and posing minimal threat to downstream areas in the event of a breach.

Costelloe serves as a vital resource for water management in Morgan County, Colorado, contributing to the irrigation needs of the surrounding agricultural community. With its strategic location and operational infrastructure, this dam plays a crucial role in sustaining the local economy and supporting the region's water supply in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

DEAD HORSE DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

248

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.