Coon Creek #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coon Creek #1, also known as Griffith Lake, is a private irrigation and recreational dam located in Mesa, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this Earth-type dam stands at 19 feet tall and spans a length of 690 feet, with a storage capacity of 557 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, supporting a drainage area associated with Coon Creek.

Despite its age, Coon Creek #1 is regularly inspected and maintained, with the last assessment in July 2020 rating its condition as fair. With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam remains a critical structure for water resource management in the area. Equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and slide gates for outlet control, Coon Creek #1 ensures the safety and stability of its surrounding ecosystem while providing essential water resources for agricultural and recreational purposes.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Coon Creek #1 to be an intriguing example of early 20th-century dam engineering, blending practical irrigation functionality with recreational opportunities. Its location in the picturesque setting of Mesa, Colorado, makes it a unique landmark in the region, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

690

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

557

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.