West Arapahoe Reservoir Report

Nearby: Hecla Coyte

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Arapahoe is a privately owned earth dam located in Jackson, Colorado, along the Arapahoe Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1951, the dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, holding a maximum storage capacity of 730 acre-feet. With a structural height of 26 feet and a length of 430 feet, West Arapahoe is a crucial component in the local water management system.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, West Arapahoe is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has been deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action preparedness, although specific emergency management measures are not detailed.

The Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees West Arapahoe, and with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. As an essential part of the local irrigation infrastructure, West Arapahoe contributes to sustaining agriculture and environmental sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

ARAPAHOE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

730

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.