Bull Creek #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Creek #5 is a privately owned Earth dam in Mesa, Colorado, built in 1901 for irrigation purposes on Bull Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a length of 1000 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 381 acre-feet and serves the dual purpose of irrigation and water supply. The dam has a spillway width of 37 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 720 cubic feet per second, making it a significant structure in the region.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Bull Creek #5 is in fair condition, as of the last assessment in August 2019. The dam has undergone modifications in 1947, including improvements to its foundation, hydraulic system, and structure. It is inspected biennially, with the most recent inspection showing that the dam meets regulatory standards set by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no current risk management measures or emergency action plans in place, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Years Modified

1947 - Foundation, 1947 - Hydraulic, 1947 - Mechanical, 1947 - Other, 1947 - Structural

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

BULL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

381

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.