Coppinger #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coppinger #1 is a privately owned earth dam located on the East Fork Mud Creek-TR in Montezuma County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1949 for irrigation purposes, the dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a length of 675 feet, providing a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for water release, with a maximum discharge capacity of 111 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment categorizes Coppinger #1 as moderate, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is equipped with emergency action plans for potential incidents. Located in a remote area near Bluff, UT, the dam serves as a vital water resource for agricultural irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Coppinger #1 underscores the critical role of infrastructure like dams in supporting agricultural activities and water supply in arid regions like Colorado. By understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory oversight of dams like Coppinger #1, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the resilience and sustainability of water resources in the face of evolving climatic challenges. The information on Coppinger #1 serves as a valuable insight into the intersection of water management, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation in the Western United States.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

EAST FORK MUD CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

51

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.