Spanish Peaks Ranch #13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Spanish Peaks Ranch #13 is a private water resource located in Las Animas, Colorado, specifically in the city of Aguilar.


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Summary

This dam, completed in 1957, serves various purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 785 feet, it has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and safe operation.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Spanish Peaks Ranch #13 is considered to have a high risk due to its location and potential impact in case of failure. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, which could pose challenges in managing excess water flow during heavy rainfall or flooding events. The last inspection in 2013 revealed no significant issues, but regular assessments and risk management measures are crucial to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems that rely on the Apishapa River-TR for water resources and habitat maintenance.

As an essential feature of the Colorado water infrastructure, Spanish Peaks Ranch #13 highlights the importance of proper regulation, inspection, and risk assessment in managing dams for multiple purposes such as wildlife conservation, recreation, and water supply. Climate change and increasing water demands make it crucial for dam owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize safety measures and emergency preparedness to prevent disasters and safeguard the health of ecosystems that depend on these reservoirs.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

785

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

APISHAPA RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

34

Nid Storage

62

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

34
       
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.