Bull Creek #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Creek #3 in Mesa, Colorado, is a privately owned dam that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1895, this Earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a structural height of 25 feet, spanning a length of 180 feet. With a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6 acres and has a maximum discharge of 990 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the risk assessment for Bull Creek #3 indicates a moderate risk level.

Located in Molina, Colorado, along the Bull Creek-TR stream, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. With a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway type, Bull Creek #3 has not been modified over the years and has a history of routine inspections every 6 years. Although it has a moderate risk level, the dam has not been assigned a risk management plan or specific measures. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the region may find Bull Creek #3 an intriguing structure to study and monitor for its historical significance and potential impact on the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

BULL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.