Big Beaver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Beaver, also known as Lake Avery, is a state-owned dam located in Meeker, Colorado, along Big Beaver Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1964, this Earth-type dam stands at an impressive height of 90 feet, with a hydraulic height of 100 feet and a structural height of 102 feet. The dam boasts a capacity of 9,762 acre-feet of water storage, with a normal storage level of 7,658 acre-feet and a surface area of 263 acres, serving primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.

While Big Beaver Dam has a fair condition assessment as of September 2020, it poses a high hazard potential due to its location and design features. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 130 feet to manage potential overflow. Despite its moderate risk assessment, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and the emergency action plan is updated as needed. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the region are drawn to Big Beaver for its significant contribution to the local ecosystem and its role in water management in the area.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

BIG BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

263

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

9762

Structural Height

102

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

102
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.