Box Springs #4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Box Springs #2 Reservoir #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Box Springs #4, located in Las Animas, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1901 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 10 feet with a length of 6100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1071 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is deemed to have a high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Box Springs #4 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The dam, situated on Horse Creek-OS, has a maximum discharge of 4100 cubic feet per second and a normal storage of 555 acre-feet. Although the dam lacks a spillway, it has a spillway width of 300 feet to handle excess water during peak flow events. The last inspection in 2012 indicated a fair condition, with an inspection frequency of 6 years.
Despite its age, Box Springs #4 continues to serve its primary purposes efficiently. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the dam's historical significance and functional design intriguing, making it a noteworthy structure in the water management landscape of Crowley County, Colorado. The dam's ability to balance fire protection, stock maintenance, and irrigation needs underscores its importance in sustaining the local ecosystem and agricultural activities in the region.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
6100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
172 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
1071 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Arkansas River At Catlin Dam
|
-999cfs |
Catlin Canal At Mile 0.1
|
0cfs |
Apishapa River Near Fowler
|
12cfs |
Timpas Creek At Mouth Near Swink
|
19cfs |
Arkansas River Near Nepesta
|
296cfs |
Crooked Arroyo Near Swink
|
2cfs |
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.
Box Springs #4