Bull Creek #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Creek #4 is a private irrigation dam located in Mesa, Colorado, with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


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Summary

Built in 1901, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and has a storage capacity of 611 acre-feet. The dam, managed by Water Resource Consultants LLC, is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspection and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Bull Creek #4 poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for emergency action preparedness. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a single slide gate outlet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 4200 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, providing irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural lands while also offering recreational opportunities in the area.

As an integral part of the Bull Creek watershed, Bull Creek #4 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. With its historical significance and continued functionality, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating water infrastructure to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply for both agricultural and recreational purposes.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

1094

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

BULL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

611

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.