Summary
Completed in 1979, the dam stands at 20 feet high and stretches 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Situated on Palo Duro Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area while also contributing to the local ecosystem.
Despite its low hazard potential, Pala Dura poses a high risk due to its outdated risk assessment rating of 2. With a lack of recent inspection data, the condition assessment remains unrated, raising concerns about the overall safety and stability of the dam. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates and a spillway width of 7 feet to manage potential overflow. The Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees this dam, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards and undergoes necessary inspections to prevent any potential disasters.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Pala Dura to be an intriguing case study of a multi-purpose earth dam in Colorado. The dam's location on Palo Duro Creek, its storage capacity, and the associated risk factors make it a valuable subject for those interested in water management, conservation, and infrastructure resilience. As the dam continues to provide vital services to the local community, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be essential to ensure its long-term sustainability and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
PALO DURO CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Pala Dura
Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek