Bonny Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Bonny Dam, located in Yuma, Colorado, along the South Republican River, is a federal structure owned and regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Completed in 1951, the earth dam stands at 130 feet in height and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation. With a storage capacity of 348,390 acre-feet and a surface area of 8,565 acres, Bonny Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam has undergone modifications in 1994 to enhance its hydraulic, structural, and overall integrity. With a spillway width of 138 feet, the dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 73,300 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, the condition of Bonny Dam is currently listed as "Not Available." Emergency action plans are in place, but details on their readiness and adherence to guidelines remain unspecified. With its strategic location and significant role in water resource management, Bonny Dam is a key asset in mitigating flood risks and supporting various water-related activities in the surrounding area.

As a crucial component of the water infrastructure in Colorado, Bonny Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management and maintenance. With its rich history and vital functions in flood control, irrigation, and recreation, the dam serves as a symbol of the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with environmental conservation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bonny Dam to be a fascinating case study in the careful management of water infrastructure for the benefit of both human communities and the natural environment.

Years Modified

1994 - Hydraulic, 1994 - Other, 1994 - Structural

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

9200

Dam Height

130

River Or Stream

SOUTH REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8565

Hydraulic Height

119

Drainage Area

1820

Nid Storage

348390

Structural Height

158

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

158
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.