Saddle Reservoir Report
Nearby: Flat Top Miller Creek
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Saddle is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Routt County, Colorado, near the city of Craig.
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Summary
Completed in 1908, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 418 feet, providing a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet of water primarily for irrigation purposes. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Saddle poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 28 cubic feet per second. Although the dam has not been significantly modified since its completion, it is subject to periodic inspections to assess its safety and maintenance needs. Overall, Saddle serves as a vital water resource for the local community and plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture and fire protection efforts in the region.
As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Saddle contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in the area. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a key asset for water supply and irrigation activities along Butler Creek. By meeting state regulatory standards and undergoing regular inspections, Saddle ensures the efficient and safe distribution of water for various purposes, highlighting the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
418 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
BUTLER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
171 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Saddle