Mesa Creek #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mesa Creek #3, also known as Mesa Lake or Fish Lake, is a privately-owned irrigation structure located in Mesa, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1890, this Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. Despite being in fair condition, with a significant hazard potential, the dam has undergone structural modifications in 1970 to ensure its continued functionality.

Situated on Mesa Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 239 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 325 cubic feet per second. The dam also serves recreational purposes and spans a length of 140 feet, with a spillway width of 12 feet. The inspection frequency for Mesa Creek #3 is every two years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2020, indicating a moderate risk level.

Owned by private individuals, this dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a designated emergency action plan, Mesa Creek #3 remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring water availability for irrigation and recreational activities while managing the risk associated with its significant hazard potential.

Years Modified

1970 - Structural

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MESA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

400

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.