Elk Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elk Lake, also known as Ovo or Willow Creek Reservoir, is a private water resource located in Moffat County, Colorado.


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Summary

This reservoir, completed in 1904, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 442 acre-feet, Elk Lake is a vital source of water in the region.

Despite its age, Elk Lake is in fair condition with a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a spillway width of 6 feet and a maximum discharge of 89 cubic feet per second, Elk Lake is equipped to handle significant water flow events.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area should take note of Elk Lake for its historical significance, multiple uses, and importance for local water management. As a well-regulated and maintained reservoir, Elk Lake continues to play a crucial role in providing water for various needs while also serving as a potential area of interest for further research and environmental monitoring.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BOX SPRING-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

442

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.