Soap Retenton Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Soap Retenton Dam, located in Mesa County, Colorado, along the Redrock Canyon River, was completed in 1960 and is owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
This gravity-type dam has a structural height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, providing debris control along the river. With a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 24.1 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Soap Retenton Dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. While currently rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to maintain its integrity and functionality. The dam's primary purpose of debris control highlights its importance in protecting the surrounding environment and downstream areas from potential hazards.
Despite its relatively small size, Soap Retenton Dam serves as a vital structure in the region's water management infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Soap Retenton play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring the sustainable use of water for both human consumption and ecological purposes. Through ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts, Soap Retenton Dam remains a key asset in safeguarding the local ecosystem and communities against potential water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
362 |
River Or Stream |
REDROCK CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
24.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
46 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Soap Retenton Dam