Whittington Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christensen #1 Lamborn #1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Whittington is a privately owned earth dam located on Wild Cat Creek in Morgan County, Colorado.
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Summary
It was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1953 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam stands at 17 feet high with a hydraulic height of 6 feet and a structural height of 12 feet, spanning a length of 532 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 263 acre-feet and a normal storage of 60 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 38 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Whittington dam has a moderate risk level due to its location and design. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1100 feet, and has not been modified in recent years. The last inspection was conducted in April 2011, with an inspection frequency of every 3 years, ensuring that the structure remains safe and functional for flood control purposes. With its vital role in mitigating flood risks in the area, Whittington serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
532 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
WILD CAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
38 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Whittington