Salas Ditch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Salas Ditch is a historic irrigation structure located in Huerfano, Colorado, with a rich legacy dating back to its completion in 1920.


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Summary

Spanning 750 feet in length and standing at a height of 20 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, and water supply for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, Salas Ditch plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and sustaining local ecosystems.

Managed by private owners, Salas Ditch is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Despite its low hazard potential, the ditch is classified as high risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. Although not currently rated, efforts to update emergency action plans and conduct risk assessments are crucial to safeguarding the surrounding community in case of any unforeseen events.

With its picturesque location along the Bear-TR river, Salas Ditch serves as a vital water resource for the city of Walsenburg and the wider region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and support the maintenance and upkeep of this historic irrigation structure to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BEAR-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.