Culverwell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Culverwell, located in Moffat County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam on the Sand Spring Gulch.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans 684 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 860 acre-feet for water resource management. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving the agricultural needs of the region with a normal storage capacity of 720 acre-feet.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Culverwell is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's spillway, with a width of 65 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the safe release of water during times of excess flow. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Culverwell has not undergone recent modifications and is equipped with emergency action plans to address any potential risks effectively.

Located in a picturesque setting in the Ouray, Utah area, Culverwell represents a vital piece of water infrastructure in the region, supporting agricultural activities and water resource management along the Sand Spring Gulch. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the details of Culverwell's design, purpose, and regulatory oversight provides valuable insight into the management of water systems and the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure both safety and sustainability for the local community.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

684

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

SAND SPRING GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

15

Nid Storage

860

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

41
       
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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.