Lake Henry Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Henry, located in Crowley County, Colorado, is a private reservoir primarily used for irrigation but also serves as a fish and wildlife pond and a recreational area.
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Summary
Built in 1914, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a capacity of 14,914 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 9,500 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 1,194 acres and has a drainage area of 7 square miles.
Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Lake Henry has a spillway width of 1,109 feet and a maximum discharge of 16,000 cubic feet per second. With a hazard potential classified as high and a fair condition assessment, the dam is inspected annually to ensure public safety. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Lake Henry remains a vital water resource in the region, providing essential irrigation water while also supporting wildlife and recreational activities.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by Lake Henry's historical significance, engineering design, and multifaceted purposes. As a well-maintained structure with state-regulated oversight and a solid emergency action plan, this reservoir continues to play a crucial role in Colorado's water management strategy and serves as a key component in the region's environmental conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
12920 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1194 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
14914 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Arkansas River At Catlin Dam
|
-999cfs |
Catlin Canal At Mile 0.1
|
0cfs |
Timpas Creek At Mouth Near Swink
|
19cfs |
Apishapa River Near Fowler
|
12cfs |
Crooked Arroyo Near Swink
|
2cfs |
Arkansas River At La Junta
|
81cfs |
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.
Lake Henry
Meredith Reservoir (Content)