Floodwater Ret Dam Ss-6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Floodwater Retention Dam Ss-6, located in Sedgwick, Colorado, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the South Platte River.


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Summary

Built in 1984 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 78 feet, with a hydraulic height of 36 feet, and a length of 1495 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 2332 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 123 acres, providing protection to a drainage area of 11 square miles.

With its uncontrolled spillway and satisfactory condition assessment, Floodwater Retention Dam Ss-6 has a low hazard potential but poses a moderate risk. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified. Despite not being owned or funded by federal agencies, the local government in Ovid, Colorado, takes responsibility for its operation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring that the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. As a climate and water resource enthusiast, monitoring the ongoing maintenance and risk mitigation efforts for Floodwater Retention Dam Ss-6 can provide valuable insights into sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

1495

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

123

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

2332

Structural Height

78

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.