Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-2, also known as "Best Bet," is a flood risk reduction structure located in La Junta, Colorado.
Summary
Owned by the local government, this dam was completed in 1975 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS. Standing at a structural height of 56 feet and a hydraulic height of 41 feet, this earth dam on the Crooked Arroyo river has a storage capacity of 24,047 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of December 2018, Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-2 is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 180 feet and can discharge up to 32,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events and showcases the importance of water resource management in mitigating climate-related risks.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
4254 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
CROOKED ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
705 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
90 |
Nid Storage |
24047 |
Structural Height |
56 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-2