Cheney Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheney is a privately owned dam located in Mesa, Colorado, along the King Creek river.


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Summary

Completed in 1908, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam is regulated by the Colorado State Division of Water Resources, ensuring its proper maintenance and inspection to meet state standards.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Cheney poses a high risk due to its location and potential impact in case of a failure. The dam lacks a spillway, with uncontrolled outlet gates, which may increase the risk of flooding downstream. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment in May 2019, to monitor its safety and structural integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should pay attention to Cheney as it plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation in the area. Understanding the risk factors associated with this dam and ensuring proper maintenance and emergency preparedness are essential steps to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community and environment from the impacts of a dam failure.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

KING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.