Sheriff Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sheriff Dam, located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for irrigation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and has a storage capacity of 1450 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Trout Creek, serves an important role in the region's agriculture and water management efforts.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Sheriff Dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. It has a spillway width of 32 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2460 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's emergency action plan is currently being updated to ensure it meets the latest guidelines for risk management and preparedness.

Sheriff Dam, with its controlled by uncontrolled spillway type, plays a crucial role in water management in the region. As a key infrastructure for irrigation and water supply, it requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community. This dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TROUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

12

Nid Storage

1450

Structural Height

72

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

72
       
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.