Sugar Loaf Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Sugar Loaf Dike, located in Lake County, Colorado, is a rockfill dam completed in 1968 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this dam on the Lake Fork of Arkansas River has a dam height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 135,525 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Despite its relatively small size, Sugar Loaf Dike plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the region.

With a high hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 2, Sugar Loaf Dike is closely monitored by the Bureau of Reclamation, which conducts regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, emergency action plans are in place, and the dam meets regulatory guidelines for risk management. Its location and design make it a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging water infrastructure to meet the challenges of climate change and growing water demands.

As a key component of the water supply system in Lake County, Sugar Loaf Dike exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation. With its significant storage capacity and multiple uses, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sugar Loaf Dike serves as a compelling example of the complex challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing world.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LAKE FORK OF ARKANSAS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

1805

Hydraulic Height

6

Nid Storage

135525

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.