Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and was completed in 1950, providing a storage capacity of 237 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 528 feet and covers a surface area of 25 acres, serving a drainage area of 12 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, Buffalo Creek is classified as having a high risk level, necessitating careful risk management measures.
The dam is state-regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has an inspection frequency of every 6 years. Buffalo Creek does not have a spillway and is not equipped with outlet gates. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and risk mitigation efforts in the event of a potential breach.
Overall, Buffalo Creek serves as a vital water resource for the area, supporting agricultural activities through irrigation. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and reliability of the dam. With its high-risk classification, continued attention to risk assessment and management is crucial to safeguarding the community and environment from potential hazards associated with the dam.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
528 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
237 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Buffalo Creek