Clear Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Clear Creek, also known as Otero Reservoir, is a vital water resource located in Buena Vista, Colorado, within Chaffee County.


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Summary

Built in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and has a hydraulic height of 66 feet, serving primarily for water supply purposes. With a storage capacity of 13,560 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 11,500 acre-feet, Clear Creek covers a surface area of 425 acres and drains an area of 69 square miles.

Managed by a public utility, Clear Creek is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 1,465 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 42,000 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Clear Creek is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in July 2020.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clear Creek offers a fascinating look into the infrastructure supporting water supply, fish and wildlife habitats, recreation, and flood control in the region. Its historical significance, engineering design, and ongoing management make it a noteworthy example of how human intervention can both harness and protect natural resources like water in a sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

2850

Dam Height

70

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

425

Hydraulic Height

66

Drainage Area

69

Nid Storage

13560

Structural Height

80

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

80
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.