Kiowa Crk Wtrshd L-42 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 is a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert County, Colorado, designed by the U.S.
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Summary
Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS. Completed in 1956, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Kiowa Creek-TR. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 581 feet, it has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0 square miles. The dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, last inspected in November 2016.
Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 falls under state regulation, with permits, inspections, and enforcement in place. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1,347 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans currently in place. The dam is located in an area represented by Congressman Ken Buck (R) and is under the jurisdiction of the DWR.
Overall, Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 is a vital structure in the management of flood risk in Elbert County, Colorado. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the details and maintenance of such structures is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
581 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
KIOWA CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Kiowa Crk Wtrshd L-42