Craig Raw Water Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Craig Raw Water, located in Moffat County, Colorado, is a vital public utility serving the community of MAYBELL.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This water supply structure, completed in 1961, stands as an Earth dam with a height of 58 feet and a hydraulic height of 60 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 992 acre-feet and a normal storage of 547 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability in the region, particularly sourced from the YAMPA RIVER-TR.

Maintained by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) and regulated by the state, Craig Raw Water has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of September 2020. The dam has a spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1180 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the structure meets moderate risk assessment levels and undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its operational safety and efficiency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Craig Raw Water presents a fascinating case study of water infrastructure in a changing climate. As Colorado faces increasing water challenges due to warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, the management and maintenance of dams like Craig Raw Water become even more critical. Understanding the role of such structures in water supply management and the associated risks and regulations is key to ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1825

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

YAMPA RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

60

Nid Storage

992

Structural Height

78

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

78
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.