Lower Turner Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Turner, located in Fremont, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1895 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 950 feet, Lower Turner has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and serves multiple uses including fire protection, stock watering, and recreation. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 25 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Lower Turner is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2019. The risk assessment for Lower Turner indicates a moderate risk level, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Turner offers a fascinating glimpse into historical water management practices and the ongoing efforts to balance agricultural needs with environmental sustainability in the region.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

FOURMILE CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Roller - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.