Bauer Lake #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Montezuma County, Colorado, Bauer Lake #1, also known as Upper Bauer, is a private dam used primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1907, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 30 feet. It has a storage capacity of 510 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 32 acres. The dam is situated on Chicken Creek-OS and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2020, Bauer Lake #1 has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 85 feet. The dam also features a single slide (sluice gate) as its outlet gate. It is crucial for sustaining irrigation activities in the area and plays a vital role in managing water resources for agricultural use. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of changing climate conditions.

Bauer Lake #1 serves as a valuable water resource infrastructure in the region, contributing to the agricultural landscape and supporting the local economy. As a privately owned dam, it underscores the collaborative efforts between private entities and state regulators in managing water rights and ensuring the sustainable use of water for irrigation purposes. With its historical significance dating back over a century, Bauer Lake #1 stands as a testament to the enduring importance of water management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

1856

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

CHICKEN CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

510

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.