Larson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harris West Miller
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Larson, also known as Larson #1, is a privately owned dam located in Rio Blanco, Colorado.
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Summary
Completed in 1888, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 66 feet. The primary purpose of Larson Dam is for water supply, serving irrigation and other water supply needs in the area. With a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a normal storage of 62 acre-feet, Larson Dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), Larson Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is rated in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. Although there are no associated structures with Larson Dam, it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 273 cubic feet per second. Overall, Larson Dam remains an essential water resource infrastructure in Colorado, contributing to water supply and irrigation needs in the area.
With its historical significance dating back to the late 19th century, Larson Dam continues to play a vital role in water management and supply in Rio Blanco County. As a key feature of the Piceance CR-TR river system, Larson Dam provides essential water storage and control capabilities, ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural and other uses in the region. Despite its age, Larson Dam remains a functional and important component of Colorado's water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical water resources in the face of climate challenges and water scarcity concerns.
Year Completed |
1888 |
Dam Length |
66 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
PICEANCE CR-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White River Above Coal Creek
|
274cfs |
White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford
|
241cfs |
White River Below Meeker
|
318cfs |
White River Near Meeker
|
288cfs |
Piceance Creek Bl Ryan Gulch
|
21cfs |
Piceance Creek At White River
|
18cfs |
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.
Larson