Cotter Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fremont County, Colorado, the Cotter Tailings dam stands as a private structure regulated by the state with a low hazard potential.


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Summary

Built in 1980, the earth dam reaches a height of 93 feet and a length of 5000 feet, with a storage capacity of 5400 acre-feet. The dam, primarily used for tailings purposes, overlooks Sand Creek-OS in Canon City.

With a risk assessment rating of high (2), the Cotter Tailings dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Although it has not been inspected since September 2000, the state regulatory agency, DWR, mandates regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a risk that requires effective risk management measures to be implemented in the future to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure and surrounding environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

5000

Dam Height

93

River Or Stream

SAND CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

151

Hydraulic Height

93

Nid Storage

5400

Structural Height

104

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

104
       
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.