Stambaugh Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Stambaugh, located in Jackson, Colorado, is a private water resource with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1913, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 139 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Little Grizzly Creek, is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, permitting, and enforcement standards.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Stambaugh poses a high risk due to its age and the lack of updated emergency action plans and risk management measures. The dam has not been modified in recent years and has a spillway width of 20 feet. Being under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Stambaugh faces the challenge of meeting modern safety guidelines and enhancing its risk management strategies to mitigate potential disasters.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Stambaugh an intriguing subject for study due to its historical significance, irrigation importance, and the need for improved risk management practices. With its location in a picturesque setting in Colorado and its vital role in water management, Stambaugh serves as a significant case study for understanding the complexities of balancing water resource utilization with environmental conservation and safety considerations.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

20

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

LITTLE GRIZZLY CK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

139

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.