A-27 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Creek Prewitt
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
A-27 is a privately owned Earth dam located in Merino, Colorado, along the Twenty Two Slough river.
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Summary
Completed in 1949, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 557 acre-feet. It stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 1300 feet in length, providing water for agricultural needs in the region.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, A-27 is considered to have a high risk due to its condition assessment being marked as "Not Rated." The last inspection of the dam took place in July 1980, with an inspection frequency of 6 years. While the dam has no spillway, it has a spillway width of 700 feet, indicating some level of safety measures in place for potential overflow events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, A-27 presents an interesting case study in the management of irrigation infrastructure in rural Colorado. With its historical significance and ongoing risk assessment, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the complexities of maintaining aging water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TWENTY TWO SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
557 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
A-27