Soderquist Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soderquist, located in Gunnison County, Colorado, is a private irrigation dam on Willow Creek with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 700 feet in length, storing a maximum of 248 acre-feet of water. Despite its age, Soderquist is in fair condition and has a low hazard potential, as assessed in 2014.

The dam, owned privately, is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While the spillway type is listed as "None," the dam's outlet gates include a slide (sluice gate) and are uncontrolled. Soderquist has a drainage area of 7 square miles and a surface area of 17 acres, serving not only for irrigation but also for fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.

Although Soderquist poses a high risk due to its condition and age, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps are not specified in the data. With a capacity to handle a maximum discharge of 900 cubic feet per second, Soderquist remains a crucial water resource in the region, playing a vital role in sustaining agricultural activities and water availability for various purposes in the area.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

248

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.