Turner Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in La Plata, Colorado, the Turner (also known as Falls Creek) dam is a private water resource designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 818 acre-feet, primarily used for fish and wildlife pond recreation. The dam's spillway, with a width of 125 feet, is uncontrolled, providing a maximum discharge of 5000 cubic feet per second.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the Turner dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. Inspected in August 2020, the dam is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and has a drainage area of 6 square miles. Despite its remote location in the New Mexico wilderness, the Turner dam serves as a vital water management structure for the local ecosystem, ensuring the conservation of water resources for both recreational and environmental purposes. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Turner dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding our natural environment.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

FALLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

818

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

46
       
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.