Horse Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horse Creek, also known as Timber Lake, is a private irrigation dam located in Las Animas, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1900 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans a length of 10,765 feet. With a storage capacity of 43,125 acre-feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, covering a drainage area of 122 square miles.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 325 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure is classified as having a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment. Horse Creek has been regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it is inspected, permitted, and enforced to meet state standards. The dam's last inspection in March 2019 revealed its moderate risk level, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to monitor its safety and maintenance needs.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Horse Creek to be an intriguing feature in the landscape of Otero County, Colorado. Its historical significance, engineering design, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the intersection of water management, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship in the region. As an essential part of the local irrigation system, Horse Creek stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with safety and sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

10765

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

HORSE CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2626

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

122

Nid Storage

43125

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.