Crowner Reservoir Report

Nearby: Holden Kelly

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crowner is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Routt County, Colorado, specifically in Yampa along Crowner Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1904, this earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and stretches 328 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite being state-regulated and inspected, the dam's condition remains unassessed as of the last inspection in 1997. With a low hazard potential but high risk assessment, there is a need for further evaluation and potentially the implementation of risk management measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of this water resource.

The primary purpose of Crowner Dam is for irrigation, serving the surrounding agricultural lands with water from its reservoir. With a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 96 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the area. While lacking a spillway, Crowner Dam's presence highlights the importance of maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water resource utilization and climate resilience in the face of increasing variability and extreme weather events.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in the region, Crowner Dam's significance lies in its historical importance and ongoing role in supporting agricultural activities. With the potential for increased risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments, there is a pressing need for proactive management and monitoring to ensure the continued safe operation of this vital water resource in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

328

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CROWNER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

77

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.