Y T Ranch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Y T Ranch, located in Collbran, Colorado, is a privately owned recreational facility built in 1911 on Grove Creek.


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Summary

The ranch's primary purpose is for recreation, with secondary purposes including irrigation. The dam at Y T Ranch is an earth dam with a height of 33 feet and a hydraulic height of 29 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 193 acre-feet.

The dam has undergone several structural modifications over the years, with the most recent ones in 1973, 1987, and 2004. Despite these upgrades, the dam's current condition is deemed unsatisfactory, with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in May 2020 revealed that the dam does not meet safety guidelines and poses a moderate risk (rating of 3). Emergency action plans are either not prepared or do not meet guidelines, raising concerns about the ranch's ability to respond in case of a dam failure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Y T Ranch an intriguing case study for the challenges and risks associated with aging dams in recreational settings. The ranch's location in Mesa County, Colorado, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, highlights the importance of balancing water management for both agricultural and recreational purposes. As the dam continues to age and deteriorate, stakeholders must prioritize safety measures and invest in necessary upgrades to mitigate potential risks to the environment and surrounding communities.

Years Modified

1973 - Structural, 1987 - Structural, 2004 - Structural

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

GROVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

193

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.