Brown No 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Van Bremer #1 Hignio Cordova #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brown No 1 is a privately owned dam located in Las Animas, Colorado, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1913, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 720 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 180 acre-feet. The dam spans 1400 feet in length and covers a surface area of 120 acres, serving a drainage area of 15 square miles.
Despite its age, Brown No 1 is considered to have a low hazard potential, with a high risk assessment rating of 2. It is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 1992. The dam does not have a spillway, but it boasts a spillway width of 425 feet for efficient water discharge. With its strategic location on the Van Bremer Arroyo-OS, Brown No 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, showcasing the importance of private ownership in maintaining critical infrastructure for community safety and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
VAN BREMER ARROYO-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
120 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
720 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Brown No 1