Walden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Walden, a privately owned dam located in Jackson County, Colorado, serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth-type dam stands at 22 feet high and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 5031 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Illinois River-OS, has a spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 691 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Walden is subject to state regulatory oversight from the Colorado Division of Water Resources for inspections, permitting, and enforcement.

With its satisfactory condition assessment and moderate risk level, Walden remains a vital asset for water management in the region. The dam's emergency action plan status, however, is unclear, presenting a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and risk mitigation. Being in a remote location, Walden provides a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure water security for agricultural needs and environmental sustainability. As a significant feature in the Sacramento District and under state jurisdiction, Walden showcases the intricate balance between human intervention and natural resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

ILLINOIS RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

848

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

5031

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.