Bull Creek #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Creek #1, located in Mesa County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1895.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a length of 359 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and water supply for the surrounding area. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating of 2, indicating the need for careful monitoring and maintenance.

The dam has a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 588 cubic feet per second. It is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam has not been rated for its current condition, its last inspection was conducted in 1984, highlighting the importance of regular assessments and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.

Although Bull Creek #1 does not have a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates and has a spillway width of 20 feet. The dam's location in the Bull Creek watershed plays a vital role in providing water resources for agricultural and domestic use in the Grand Junction area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the condition and maintenance of dams like Bull Creek #1 is essential to ensure the sustainable management of our water supply in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

359

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

BULL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

133

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.