Sterner Reservoir Report

Nearby: Egeria Clyde

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Routt County, Colorado, Sterner is a privately owned earth dam built in 1953 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 25 feet and a length of 306 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and serves the Egeria Creek-TR. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, Sterner is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Department of Water Resources.

Although Sterner does not have any associated structures or federal funding, it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 38 feet. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 744 cubic feet per second, and it covers a surface area of 28 acres. With a drainage area of 1 square mile, Sterner's normal storage capacity is 195 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish ponds in the region.

Considering the moderate risk assessment rating assigned to Sterner, it is crucial for stakeholders to monitor and maintain the dam's condition to ensure its long-term stability and functionality. The last inspection conducted in October 2018 highlighted the dam's fair condition, and it is recommended that emergency action plans and risk management measures be put in place to address any potential hazards or vulnerabilities associated with the structure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the protection and sustainable management of dams like Sterner are essential for ensuring water security in the region.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

306

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

EGERIA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

380

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.