Anderson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Anderson is a privately owned dam located in Routt County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Craig.


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Summary

Built in 1906, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 542 feet, with a storage capacity of 233 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is irrigation, but it also serves fire protection, stock, and small fish pond needs. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, permitting, and enforcement standards.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Anderson faces moderate risk due to its location on Elkhead Creek-TR. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 249 cfs and an uncontrolled spillway type. Emergency action plans are not available for the site, indicating a potential area for improvement in risk management measures. The last inspection conducted in August 2018 showed no significant issues, but regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

542

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

ELKHEAD CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

233

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Flap - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.