Maria Reservoir Report
Nearby: Holita Sharps Orchard
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Maria, a private fish and wildlife pond located in Huerfano, Colorado, stands as a testament to water resource management dating back to 1887.
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Summary
With a dam height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 3,300 acre-feet, Maria serves as an essential component for irrigation and wildlife conservation. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition and poses a low hazard potential, ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Maria undergoes regular inspections and maintenance, with the last assessment conducted in November 2020. The dam lacks a spillway but features outlet gates for water release. Its strategic location along the Cucharas River-OS benefits from a high risk assessment rating of 2, prompting the need for adequate risk management measures to safeguard the environment and local residents. As a vital water resource in the region, Maria plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and sustaining the ecosystem.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, Maria's significance as a fish and wildlife habitat grows even more pronounced. With its historical legacy and essential role in water management, Maria serves as a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving environmental challenges. As water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates, understanding and preserving sites like Maria are paramount to ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1887 |
Dam Length |
2170 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
CUCHARAS RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
230 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
3300 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Drum - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Maria
Cucharas Reservoir