Ramah Det. And Rec. Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ramah Detention and Recreation Dam, located in El Paso County, Colorado, serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a hydraulic height of 49 feet, with a structural height of 60 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 7,641 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 5,388 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 403 acres and draining a 69-square-mile watershed.
Despite its significant hazard potential, Ramah Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of July 2020. The dam does not have a spillway but is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 35,000 cubic feet per second. The dam is state-regulated and falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With its location on Big Sandy Creek and proximity to the city of Ramah, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
6000 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SANDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
403 |
Hydraulic Height |
49 |
Drainage Area |
69 |
Nid Storage |
7641 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
60 |
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.
Ramah Det. And Rec.