Richard Warne Fld Ret Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Richard Warne Flood Retention is a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert, Colorado, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979.
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Summary
This dam, with a height of 20 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Running Creek-TR. With a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1995 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the area.
The dam, with a surface area of 10 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2009. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam meets regulatory standards and undergoes regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes. With a spillway width of 94 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Richard Warne Flood Retention demonstrates a commitment to effective water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Overall, Richard Warne Flood Retention serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Elbert, Colorado. Managed by private owners under state jurisdiction, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a dedication to sustainable water resource management. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, this dam continues to play a significant role in protecting the local community from potential flooding events, showcasing the importance of proactive water infrastructure planning in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
RUNNING CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
113 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Richard Warne Fld Ret