Sellers-Crowell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gill Reservoir Seaton
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sellers-Crowell is a privately owned dam located in Craig, Colorado, along the Willow Creek-OS river.
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Summary
Completed in 1914 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and has a length of 362 feet, with a storage capacity of 181 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Sellers-Crowell is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation.
With a drainage area of 1 square mile and a maximum discharge of 294 cubic feet per second, Sellers-Crowell serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, small fish pond maintenance, irrigation, and water supply. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, and it has a surface area of 15 acres. Although the risk assessment categorizes Sellers-Crowell as moderate, the dam has not experienced any significant modifications since its completion, and its emergency action plan status and inundation maps are currently unspecified.
Overall, Sellers-Crowell represents a vital piece of water infrastructure in Routt County, Colorado, playing a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and providing essential water resources to the region. Its historical significance, combined with its modern regulatory oversight and multiple beneficial uses, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of water management in the area.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
362 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
181 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Trout Creek
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Trout Creek Recreation Area
|
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Vaughn Lake
|
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Chapman Reservoir
|
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Chapman Reservoir Campground
|
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Sheriff Reservoir Campground
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Sellers-Crowell