Box Springs #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Box Springs #4 Reservoir #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Box Springs #2 is a privately owned dam situated in Crowley County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Las Animas.
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Summary
Completed in 1899, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high and stretches 4900 feet in length. It serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and irrigation, with a storage capacity of 2312 acre-feet. The dam is located on Horse Creek-OS, within the jurisdiction of the Colorado state regulatory agency DWR.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2012, Box Springs #2 poses a high risk due to its age and design characteristics. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4100 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 250 acres, the dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates. It is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, indicating ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure public safety and dam integrity.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Box Springs #2 presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with significant storage capacity and multiple functional uses. As a vital water management infrastructure in the region, the dam's risk assessment and management measures reflect the complexities of balancing water supply needs with potential safety concerns. The dam's location and design characteristics highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure long-term resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1899 |
Dam Length |
4900 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
250 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
2312 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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 #2