West Jefferson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Jefferson, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, is a vital water supply dam on the North Turkey Creek-TR river system.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and was completed in 1982. With a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a normal storage of 21 acre-feet, West Jefferson plays a critical role in ensuring water availability in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, West Jefferson is categorized as having a high risk due to its location and impact in case of failure. The dam has no spillway and is inspected every six years to ensure its structural integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 962 cubic feet per second, West Jefferson serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management in the area. Its presence highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.

As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the significance of West Jefferson in the broader context of water supply and infrastructure development is crucial. With its role in water supply and management, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and risk management measures to safeguard our water resources in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

NORTH TURKEY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

32

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.