Morgan Creek #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morgan Creek #1, located in Routt County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam constructed in 1908 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 745 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet. The dam serves to regulate water flow from Morgan Creek and covers a drainage area of 2 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 467 cfs.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Morgan Creek #1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, measuring 25 feet in width, with no associated locks. The last inspection conducted in October 2014 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, meeting regulatory guidelines, although a moderate risk assessment score of 3 indicates the need for ongoing risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and engineering of irrigation infrastructure will find Morgan Creek #1 to be a fascinating case study. The dam's location in Hayden, Colorado, within the Omaha District, presents an opportunity for further exploration of how private ownership and state regulation intersect in managing water resources. With its century-old legacy and ongoing maintenance requirements, Morgan Creek #1 offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustaining vital water infrastructure in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

745

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

MORGAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

225

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.