Lolita #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Horse Creek And Black Draw Lake Henry
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lolita #3, located in Las Animas, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1895 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 2100 feet, with a storage capacity of 1687 acre-feet and a surface area of 140 acres. Situated on the Black Draw-OS stream, this structure is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Lolita #3 poses a high risk due to its proximity to populated areas and critical infrastructure. The dam has not undergone a formal condition assessment, and its emergency action plan is not up to date. With a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1367 cubic feet per second, the potential consequences of a failure could have significant impacts on downstream communities and ecosystems.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the condition of Lolita #3, there is a growing need for updated risk assessments, emergency preparedness measures, and regular maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this historic dam. Collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and local stakeholders will be essential in mitigating the potential risks associated with this aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1895 |
Dam Length |
2100 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK DRAW-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
140 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
1687 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Timpas Creek At Mouth Near Swink
|
20cfs |
Arkansas River At Catlin Dam
|
-999cfs |
Arkansas River At La Junta
|
81cfs |
Crooked Arroyo Near Swink
|
2cfs |
Catlin Canal At Mile 0.1
|
0cfs |
Arkansas River At Las Animas
|
104cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lolita #3
Meredith Reservoir (Content)