Sunny Slope Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunny Slope, located in Larimer, Colorado, is a privately owned Earth dam that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 16 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, this reservoir dam on Dry Creek has a storage capacity of 664 acre-feet, offering essential water resources for agricultural activities in the area. The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, spans 585 feet in length and covers a surface area of 30 acres.

Maintained and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Sunny Slope is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified as having a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment, it poses a moderate risk level according to the latest evaluation. Despite its age and history, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and distribution within the region, supporting the local agricultural community and promoting sustainable water resource practices.

With its uncontrolled spillway and proximity to the city of Berthoud, Sunny Slope stands as a vital infrastructure for water storage and distribution in the area. Its strategic location and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring the stability and reliability of water resources in a changing climate. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the role and condition of dams like Sunny Slope is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and safeguarding against potential risks and hazards in the future.

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

664

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.