Pawnee Raw Water Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pawnee Raw Water is a crucial water supply infrastructure located in Brush, Colorado, along the South Platte-OS river system.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans a length of 10,600 feet. With a storage capacity of 3,810 acre-feet, it serves as a primary source of water for the region, supporting various water supply needs.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Pawnee Raw Water is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and efficiency. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the last inspection in November 2019. With a moderate risk rating, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although their last revision dates back to 2012.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Pawnee Raw Water to be an essential component of the water supply infrastructure in Morgan County, Colorado. Its strategic location along the South Platte-OS river system, combined with its storage capacity and regulatory oversight, highlights its importance in sustaining water resources for the community. As efforts continue to manage and maintain this critical infrastructure, it plays a vital role in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

10600

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

138

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

3810

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
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.