Shawver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shawver, located in Jackson County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1949.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 1420 feet, Shawver serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 278 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 403 acre-feet, with a surface area of 25 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Shawver is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating, indicating potential risks that need to be managed. Despite its age and the lack of recent condition assessments, Shawver remains an essential water resource infrastructure for the local community, particularly in times of irrigation and fire protection needs.

Located in the Deer Creek watershed and owned privately, Shawver plays a crucial role in water management in the region. With a primary purpose of irrigation, the dam contributes to the agricultural landscape of the area. As a significant feature in the Sacramento District, Shawver stands as a testament to the importance of water resource infrastructure in sustaining livelihoods and ecosystems in Colorado.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

1420

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

403

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.