Colby Horse Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colby Horse Park, located in Mesa County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam that was completed in 1956.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by Loren D. Morrill, the Earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 734 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for irrigation, serving the local area with a normal storage of 471 acre-feet.

The dam, situated on Leon Creek, has a spillway width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 620 cubic feet per second. With a hazard potential rated as "Significant" and a condition assessment of "Fair", the dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2019. The risk assessment for Colby Horse Park is moderate, with emergency action plans in place to address any potential issues.

Overall, Colby Horse Park plays a vital role in water resource management and irrigation in the area, ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural activities. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience will find the engineering details and risk assessment of this dam intriguing, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure for sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

LEON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

49

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

734

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.