Emanuel Kembel Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Emanuel Kembel, also known as Clatworthy-Iungerich, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Morgan County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. It primarily serves the purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres.

Situated on the CRIS LEE DRAW river or stream, Emanuel Kembel has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet, and a maximum discharge capability of 345 cubic feet per second. While it is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes are in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Emanuel Kembel represents a historic piece of infrastructure that continues to support agricultural activities in the region. Its moderate risk assessment rating underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of this vital water resource management structure in Colorado.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

CRIS LEE DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.