Pawnee Intermediate & High Quality Water Reservoir Report
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Located in Morgan County, Colorado, the Pawnee Intermediate & High Quality Water dam serves as a vital public utility for the city of Brush.
Summary
Constructed in 1980, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and stretches 2450 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 40 acre-feet for water supply purposes. The dam overlooks Beaver Creek-OS and is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements.
With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the Pawnee dam poses a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in October 2015. While the spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 2 feet, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified. Despite its low hazard potential, the Pawnee Intermediate & High Quality Water dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region, demonstrating the intersection of water supply infrastructure and climate resilience efforts in the face of changing environmental conditions.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
2450 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
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.
Pawnee Intermediate & High Quality Water