Lone Star #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lone Star #3, also known as "The Pond," is a privately owned irrigation structure located in Whitewater, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. Its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential make it a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Lone Star #3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 5 feet and an outlet controlled by slide gates, this dam plays a vital role in both irrigation and recreational activities in the region. The risk assessment for this structure is classified as high, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to safeguard its operations.

As part of the Alkali Creek-OS river system and located within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lone Star #3 stands as a crucial component of water resource management in Delta County, Colorado. With its strategic location and modest dimensions, this dam serves as a vital link in the region's water supply chain, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

ALKALI CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.