Spring Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spring Creek, located in Archuleta County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam used primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has a spillway width of 38 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 800 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Spring Creek is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. Despite not being rated for its current condition, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its last inspection in 1987. The surrounding area has a surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 0, presenting a minimal risk of inundation. Overall, Spring Creek serves as a vital resource for irrigation and water supply in the region.

While Spring Creek may not be a prominent structure, its role in supporting local agriculture and fire protection efforts makes it a crucial component of the water resource infrastructure in the area. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, the dam continues to provide essential services while maintaining a moderate level of risk management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Spring Creek is paramount in ensuring the sustainability and safety of our water supply systems.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

208

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.