Dye Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Holbrook
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dye is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Otero County, Colorado, along the Arkansas River-OS.
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Summary
Built in 1903, this earth dam stands at 40 feet tall and spans 2112 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4500 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Dye is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections.
Despite its age, Dye continues to serve its primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 3341 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 340 cubic feet per second. With a very high risk classification, emergency action plans are in place to ensure the safety of downstream communities in case of a breach or failure.
Located in a high-risk area, Dye dam is closely monitored and maintained to mitigate potential hazards. With a risk assessment rating of very high (1), it is crucial for the owners and regulators to stay vigilant in ensuring the structural integrity of the dam. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Dye is essential in managing and conserving our precious water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
2112 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
ARKANSAS RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
427 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
4500 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Timpas Creek At Mouth Near Swink
|
19cfs |
Crooked Arroyo Near Swink
|
2cfs |
Arkansas River At La Junta
|
81cfs |
Arkansas River At Catlin Dam
|
-999cfs |
Catlin Canal At Mile 0.1
|
0cfs |
Apishapa River Near Fowler
|
12cfs |
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.
Dye
Meredith Reservoir (Content)