Nee-Noshe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nee-Noshe, located in Lamar, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam on the Arkansas River-OS with a significant storage capacity of 60,618 acre-feet.


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Summary

Built in 1896, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and stretches 1600 feet in length, serving multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and recreation. The dam's spillway, with a width of 100 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Nee-Noshe is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. The dam's condition assessment in July 2020 deemed it satisfactory, with a hazard potential classified as significant. With a history dating back over a century, Nee-Noshe continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and agricultural irrigation in the Kiowa County region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, natural habitats, and water management would find Nee-Noshe a fascinating case study. Its historical significance, multi-use purposes, and state-regulated operations highlight the complex balance between human needs and environmental conservation. As a key feature on the Arkansas River-OS, Nee-Noshe's role in sustaining local ecosystems and supporting agricultural activities underscores the importance of responsible dam management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

ARKANSAS RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3696

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

32

Nid Storage

60618

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.