Christenson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christenson is a privately owned dam located in Old Snowmass, Colorado, along the Snowmass Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1907, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a hazard potential rated as "Significant," the dam is inspected every two years, with the most recent assessment in September 2020 revealing an unsatisfactory condition.

The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height matching the overall height of 17 feet. The dam serves a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 22 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared for Christenson, raising concerns about emergency response capabilities in case of a failure. With its location in a scenic area surrounded by rock and soil foundations, the dam presents both historic and environmental significance to the region.

Overall, Christenson Dam serves as a vital structure for water storage and management in Pitkin County, Colorado. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources in the region, the maintenance and safety of this dam will be crucial in ensuring the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems. Continued monitoring and potential updates to the dam's risk management measures will be essential in safeguarding against potential failures and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on this important water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

SNOWMASS CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

33

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.