Cottonwood #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cottonwood #2 Sunny Brook
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cottonwood #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Granada, Colorado, along Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1939 for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes, this dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 450 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a surface area of 6 acres, it serves as a crucial water resource in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cottonwood #1 has a high risk assessment of 2, indicating potential issues that need to be addressed. The dam has not been rated for its condition, with the last inspection dating back to November 1991. The lack of recent assessments highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of this essential infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to advocate for sustainable water management practices, keeping a close eye on aging dams like Cottonwood #1 is crucial. With its historical significance and potential environmental impact, ongoing inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance efforts are imperative to safeguard both the dam's structural integrity and the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Cottonwood #1