Bunte Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bunte, a privately owned irrigation dam located in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, has been regulating the flow of Coyote Creek since its completion in 1911.


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Summary

With a dam height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, Bunte provides essential water storage for irrigation purposes in the region. The dam has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres, serving a drainage area of 6 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Bunte's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential improvements. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a single slide gate for outlet control. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a call for enhanced risk management measures and regular inspections to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. The regulatory oversight of the Colorado Division of Water Resources includes permitting, inspection, and enforcement to uphold dam safety standards and protect the surrounding community from potential risks.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve into the details of Bunte's infrastructure, they are met with a historical landmark that continues to play a critical role in the irrigation network of Grand County. The dam's location within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and the ongoing need for monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the long-term viability of this essential water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

925

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

COYOTE CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

32

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.