Upper Robinson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Robinson is a privately owned dam located in Routt County, Colorado, near the city of Steamboat Springs.


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Summary

The dam, designed by Fred C. Kraft, serves primarily for irrigation purposes but also offers recreational opportunities. Standing at a height of 24 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 580 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation and regular inspection by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

The dam's construction was completed in an unknown year, and it spans 296 feet in length with a surface area of 3 acres. The spillway, with a width of 22 feet, is uncontrolled in nature. While the risk assessment for Upper Robinson is moderate, measures for risk management are not specified in the available data. The dam's last inspection was conducted in October 2018, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 6 years. With its picturesque location along the Oak Creek-TR river, Upper Robinson stands as a vital water resource in the region, showcasing the intersection of water management and recreational activities.

Dam Length

296

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

OAK CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

41

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.