Michaelson #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Michaelson #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Plateau City, Mesa County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1926, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 345 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The dam, constructed primarily of stone and rock foundations, serves the purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2010. With a maximum discharge capacity of 415 cubic feet per second, the dam has undergone modifications in 1988 to enhance its hydraulic, mechanical, and structural features. The outlet gates consist of a single slide (sluice gate), and the dam is situated on Pretty Creek, a tributary in the area.

Given its age and the risk assessment rating of 2 (considered high), ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of Michaelson #1. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and management of dams will find this structure a significant point of study and discussion in the context of sustainable water resource utilization and environmental protection in Colorado.

Years Modified

1988 - Hydraulic, 1988 - Mechanical, 1988 - Structural

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

PRETTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

57

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

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.