Sappington Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spence Harris Brothers And Boone #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Archuleta County, Colorado, the Sappington dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Constructed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a storage capacity of 421 acre-feet. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
With a spillway width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 800 cubic feet per second, the Sappington dam poses a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam's emergency action plan was last updated in 2008, and it meets regulatory guidelines for risk management. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, the dam's location in the Coyote Creek watershed provides vital water resources for irrigation, wildlife preservation, and emergency fire suppression efforts in the region.
Overall, Sappington dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area, providing essential services for both agricultural and environmental purposes. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike can appreciate the dam's role in maintaining a delicate balance between human needs and ecological sustainability in the Colorado landscape.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
COYOTE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Nid Storage |
421 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Sappington