Heart Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Heart Lake, located in Yampa, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam structure built in 1892 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 14 feet and a storage capacity of 443 acre-feet, the dam stands as a vital water resource in the region, drawing water from Watson Creek. The lake covers an area of 40 acres and has a spillway width of 5 feet, ensuring controlled water discharge during peak periods.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Heart Lake undergoes regular inspections every 6 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam serves as a critical component of the local water management system, with a normal storage capacity of 283 acre-feet. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential issues.

As a key feature in the water infrastructure of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, Heart Lake plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities and water supply in the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, the dam continues to be a vital resource for water conservation and management. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate stewardship will find Heart Lake to be an intriguing case study in sustainable water resource management and dam safety practices.

Year Completed

1892

Dam Length

126

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

WATSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

443

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.