Ostrich Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ostrich Dam, located in Conejos, Colorado, was completed in 1964 and is owned and regulated by the Bureau of Land Management.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This gravity dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of the same, stretching 1400 feet in length. The dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction and has a storage capacity of 77.7 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2.7 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, Ostrich Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's associated structures include buttress and stone core types with an unlisted/unknown foundation. While the dam itself controls an unnamed river or stream, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Ostrich Dam as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Colorado. Its history, design, and purpose provide valuable insights into water management and conservation efforts in the region. With its low hazard potential and regular state oversight, the dam stands as a reliable asset for protecting communities and ecosystems from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1400

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

89.7

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

77.7

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.