Chapman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chapman, also known as Hughes Chapman, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Oak Creek, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 250 feet in length, providing crucial water storage for irrigation purposes. Situated on the Little Oak Creek, Chapman has a normal storage capacity of 246 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 471 acre-feet.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Chapman is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam has a significant hazard potential but has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of October 2019. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan is up to date, meeting established guidelines. Despite its moderate risk rating, Chapman plays a vital role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such essential infrastructure for climate and water resource enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

LITTLE OAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

34

Nid Storage

471

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.