Signal #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Signal #1, located in Fort Lupton, Colorado, along Big Dry Creek, is a significant irrigation dam with a height of 22 feet and a length of 1976 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1890 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, storing up to 345 acre-feet of water with a normal storage capacity of 260 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, Signal #1 is classified as having a significant hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Signal #1 undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge of 110 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. While it poses a moderate risk, efforts to mitigate potential hazards and enhance its safety measures are ongoing to protect downstream communities and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

1976

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

345

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.