Jolly Ranch Reservoir Report
Nearby: W. V. Middlemist Noonen
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Jolly Ranch, located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1987, this dam on Wetzel Creek has a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6000 cubic feet per second, Jolly Ranch serves as a crucial resource for water management in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Jolly Ranch is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, 208 feet wide, and is situated in a drainage area of 4 square miles. With its strategic location and purpose, Jolly Ranch plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of water resource management and climate change in the region.
Overall, Jolly Ranch serves as a testament to the importance of dams in providing essential water resources for various purposes, from fire protection to stock maintenance. With its moderate risk assessment and fair condition, the dam continues to be a significant asset in the management of water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability, structures like Jolly Ranch will play a crucial role in ensuring water security for both human and environmental needs in the region.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
WETZEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Jolly Ranch