Van Valkenburg Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Jackson County, Colorado, Van Valkenburg is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1950.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This multipurpose structure primarily serves for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 700 feet, Van Valkenburg has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres. Situated on the Little Grizzly Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in irrigation and water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Van Valkenburg is considered to have a high risk rating due to its outdated infrastructure and lack of recent assessments. The dam has not been inspected since July 1979, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years. While it is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, there are no emergency action plans in place or updated inundation maps prepared for potential risks. With its strategic location and significant impact on the local ecosystem, there is a pressing need for modernization and risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of Van Valkenburg for the future.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LITTLE GRIZZLY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

74

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.