Lower Sacramento Ck. #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Lower Sacramento Creek #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Fairplay, Colorado, serving as a crucial water supply structure for the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, the dam stands at a height of 19 feet, with a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition according to a 2016 assessment.

Situated on the Middle Fork South Platte River, Lower Sacramento Creek #1 plays a vital role in water resource management in Park County. With a spillway width of 1 foot and a maximum discharge capacity of 6 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures controlled water release during high flow events. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting by the Colorado Division of Water Resources to ensure its continued safe operation.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area can appreciate the significance of Lower Sacramento Creek #1 in maintaining water supply reliability in the region. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and oversight, the dam represents a critical piece of infrastructure that contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in Colorado.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK S. PLATTE R.-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.