Rapid Creek #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rapid Creek #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Palisade, Colorado along the Rapid Creek river.


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Summary

Built in 1934, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 1089 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 714 acre-feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in June 2020.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 18 feet and two slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. It has undergone modifications in 1995 to improve its hydraulic and structural components. The dam is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam provides crucial irrigation water for the surrounding area and plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

With its historical significance and importance for water management in the area, Rapid Creek #1 serves as a key infrastructure for agricultural activities and water resource management in Mesa County, Colorado. Its construction by the unknown designer and Zancanella & Assoc. underscores the engineering prowess of its time, while its ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight by the Colorado Department of Water Resources ensure its continued safety and operational efficiency for the community.

Years Modified

1995 - Hydraulic, 1995 - Structural

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

RAPID CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

114

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1089

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

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.