Clayton Reservoir Report

Nearby: Hap Buffalo

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clayton, located in Jackson, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1904 primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This dam on Buffalo Creek-OS has a height of 21 feet and a length of 400 feet, with a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 18 feet and a low hazard potential.

Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment in 2014, Clayton poses a moderate risk due to its age and potential for failure. The dam is regularly inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with inspections occurring every 6 years. While the risk assessment is at a moderate level, there are currently no documented risk management measures in place, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

The dam's location in a rural area and its low hazard potential make it a crucial resource for irrigation and other purposes in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize the maintenance and management of dams like Clayton to ensure their continued effectiveness and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

BUFFALO CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.