Big Creek #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Creek #3, also known as Atkinson, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Plateau City, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1893, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,842 acre-feet, serving the purposes of irrigation, recreation, and water supply. The dam, situated on the East Fork Big Creek, has a spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge of 300 cubic feet per second, with a hazard potential rated as high.

Despite its age, Big Creek #3 remains in fair condition as of the last inspection in July 2020, with moderate risk associated with its operation. The dam has undergone modifications in 1964 for hydraulic, mechanical, and structural improvements. With its proximity to Mesa, Colorado, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure its continued safe operation for the community and surrounding areas.

Years Modified

1964 - Hydraulic, 1964 - Mechanical, 1964 - Structural

Year Completed

1893

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

E FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

87

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

1842

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.