Fairview # 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fairview #1, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1871 on the South Platte River.


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Summary

With a dam height of 12 feet and a length of 1250 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and has a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite being last inspected in 1991, with an inspection frequency of 6 years, Fairview #1 is regulated and permitted by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. It is designed as an uncontrolled spillway type structure with a spillway width of 30 feet. The dam is in fair condition as it has not been rated recently, and emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in historical irrigation infrastructure in Colorado will find Fairview #1 an intriguing structure to study. With its location on the South Platte River and its long history of providing water for agricultural purposes, this dam represents a significant part of the state's water management system. Fairview #1's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1871

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE R-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

140

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.