Valley No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Valley No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

1, located in El Paso, Colorado, near Colorado Springs, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1901 primarily for recreational purposes. The dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, providing a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, indicating the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

Situated on Camp Creek-OS, Valley No. 1 has a surface area of 13 acres and a drainage area of 0. With a maximum discharge capacity of 580 cubic feet per second and no spillway, the dam poses a potential risk in case of a significant inflow event. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unclear, raising concerns about preparedness in the event of an emergency. Given its high-risk classification and the need for improvements, stakeholders in the water resource and climate community should closely monitor the condition of Valley No. 1 to ensure the safety of surrounding areas and the dam's continued functionality for recreational use.

In the broader context of water resource management, Valley No. 1 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard local communities. Climate change impacts, such as increased precipitation and extreme weather events, may further stress dams like Valley No. 1, underscoring the need for proactive risk management strategies and investment in infrastructure resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for sustainable practices and policies that prioritize the safety and sustainability of critical water infrastructure like Valley No. 1.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

CAMP CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

151

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.