Hermit #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hermit #4, located in Hinsdale, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1947 for recreational purposes such as fish and wildlife pond and recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam has a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, with a length of 290 feet and a storage capacity of 356 acre-feet. It is situated on the South Clear Creek, within the Sacramento District.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Hermit #4 poses a high risk due to its proximity to residential and recreational areas. The dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks spillway infrastructure. With a drainage area of 4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2420 cubic feet per second, any potential failure could have significant downstream impacts. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment reported in July 2020.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of dam safety, recreational activities, and environmental conservation should keep an eye on Hermit #4. As a privately owned structure regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, its condition and risk management measures are crucial for ensuring public safety and safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem. With the potential for high-risk scenarios, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of this dam are essential to prevent any adverse consequences for the community and environment.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SOUTH CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

356

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.