Kendall Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kendall, a private irrigation reservoir located in Mesa County, Colorado, along Kenny Creek, was completed in 1926 and serves multiple purposes including irrigation and recreation.


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Summary

The earth dam, with a height of 16 feet and a length of 420 feet, has a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as unsatisfactory during the last inspection in June 2016, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Kendall reservoir is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced in accordance with state jurisdiction. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam poses some level of risk, warranting close monitoring and potentially updated emergency action plans to meet safety guidelines. While the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, its maximum discharge capacity is 402 cubic feet per second, providing some measure of flood protection for downstream areas.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history, design, and current condition of Kendall reservoir would find it intriguing that the dam has stone core types and is founded on rock and soil materials. The dam's location in Collbran, Colorado, amidst the beautiful natural surroundings, adds to its appeal for recreational activities, highlighting the delicate balance between water supply management and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

KENNY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

152

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.