Spring Creek No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spring Creek No 1, located in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Plateau Creek.


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Summary

Standing at 31 feet tall and stretching 824 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 295 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 0.25 square miles. With a low hazard potential and no recorded condition assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding in the area.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Spring Creek No 1 is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 7,336 cubic feet per second and has a spillway width of 50 feet. Although the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not available, it remains a vital structure in the region's water resource management. With its strategic location and design, Spring Creek No 1 stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts in the area, contributing to the overall resilience of the watershed.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spring Creek No 1 offers a fascinating case study in dam construction and management. Its collaboration between private ownership and governmental agencies showcases the importance of partnerships in safeguarding communities against potential disasters. With its history dating back to the late 1960s, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to balance water resource management and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

824

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Plateau Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

295

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.