Breidenbach Reservoir Report
Nearby: C.A. Sherwin #1 C.A. Sherwin #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Breidenbach is a privately-owned dam located in Iliff, Colorado, along the South Platte River.
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Summary
Built in 1941, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. While primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance, it also supports irrigation and recreational activities in the area.
With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Breidenbach is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low risk level, the dam poses a high risk from a management perspective, indicating the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential hazards. Additionally, the dam lacks a spillway, which could be a point of concern during periods of high water flow.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Breidenbach represents a vital infrastructure supporting various essential functions in the region while also highlighting the need for ongoing risk management and maintenance practices to ensure its continued safe operation. Its location along the South Platte River and the absence of certain safety features underscore the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against potential threats and ensure the sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
162cfs |
South Platte River At Cooper Bridge
|
13cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
South Platte River At Fort Morgan
|
264cfs |
South Platte River Near Weldona
|
190cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Breidenbach