Bonham-Wells Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bonham-Wells, also known as Big Creek No.


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Summary

7, is a private water resource located in Plateau City, Colorado. This dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, recreation, and water supply, showcasing its importance in the local community. Completed in 1900, Bonham-Wells stands at a height of 38 feet with a hydraulic height of 35 feet, storing a maximum of 1765 acre-feet of water. With a spillway width of 250 feet and a maximum discharge of 7351 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the area.

The dam has a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential, making regular inspections and maintenance crucial for its continued operation. In 1962, significant modifications were made to improve its hydraulic, mechanical, and structural components. Bonham-Wells is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans and contacts to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety in the event of a disaster.

Overall, Bonham-Wells serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation, recreation, and water supply in Mesa County, Colorado. Its historical significance, combined with its modern engineering and regulatory oversight, highlights its essential role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As enthusiasts in water resources and climate, understanding the intricacies of dams like Bonham-Wells is crucial for supporting sustainable water usage and environmental conservation initiatives.

Years Modified

1962 - Hydraulic, 1962 - Mechanical, 1962 - Structural

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

109

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

1765

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.