Queen Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thurston Lake Nee-Noshe
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Queen, also known as Neeskah Reservoir, is a private water resource located in Lamar, Colorado.
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Summary
Built in 1896, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 1800 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 32,690 acre-feet and a surface area of 1930 acres, Queen primarily serves irrigation purposes but also supports fish and wildlife habitats and recreational activities. The Arkansas River-OS feeds into this reservoir, which has undergone regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its age, Queen poses a significant hazard potential with an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in November 2020, indicating ongoing efforts to improve its risk management measures. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, this reservoir requires vigilant monitoring and maintenance to prevent any potential disasters. The surrounding Kiowa County community relies on Queen for essential water resources, making its upkeep crucial for both agricultural and environmental sustainability in the region.
As a key water source in Colorado, Queen's infrastructure and management play a vital role in ensuring water security and environmental preservation. The reservoir's location within the Arkansas River basin underscores its importance for regional water supply and ecosystem support. Climate enthusiasts and water resource specialists alike would be intrigued by the intricate details of Queen's design, operation, and regulatory oversight, as well as the ongoing efforts to address its risk management challenges and ensure long-term resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1896 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
ARKANSAS RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1930 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
32690 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Queen
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