Carroll Brown Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carroll Brown, located in Ridgeway, Colorado, is a private earth dam built in 1902 for irrigation purposes on Spring Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 25 feet and a length of 450 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 129 acre-feet and serves as an essential water resource in the area. Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, it is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and proper maintenance.

The dam's structure predominantly consists of stone and is supported by rock and soil foundations. It features slide and uncontrolled outlet gates, with no spillway for excess water discharge. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 140 cubic feet per second, with a normal storage level of 96 acre-feet. In the event of an emergency, the dam's risk assessment is deemed high, highlighting the need for proper risk management measures to be in place.

Overall, Carroll Brown's historical significance and vital role in irrigation make it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its location in Ouray County, Colorado, and its association with the Albuquerque District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscore its importance in maintaining water supply and managing potential risks associated with dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

129

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.