Warner #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Warner #5, located in Durango, Colorado, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1970 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond along Elbert Creek.


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Summary

This low hazard potential dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a length of 145 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and a normal storage of 23 acre-feet over a surface area of 3 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 825 cubic feet per second, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway that is 33 feet wide.

Maintained by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Warner #5 has a satisfactory condition assessment and is inspected every 6 years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017. Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk level, the dam has a history of meeting regulatory guidelines and enforcement measures, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. While no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is currently prepared for Warner #5, the overall management and maintenance of the dam contribute to its stable and secure operation within the region.

With its vital role in supporting local fish and wildlife populations, Warner #5 serves as a crucial water resource structure in La Plata County. Positioned under the jurisdiction of the state and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, this dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices and the preservation of natural habitats in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Warner #5 presents an intriguing case study of how private ownership, state regulation, and environmental conservation efforts intersect to ensure the longevity and safety of essential water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

145

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

ELBERT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

38

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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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.