Buck Pasture Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Buck Pasture, located in Dolores, Colorado, is a privately owned dam primarily used for fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 600 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, it serves as a crucial water resource for the area, supporting irrigation and providing a surface area of 8 acres.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Buck Pasture is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, the dam is equipped with a slide gate for controlled water release in case of emergencies. The last inspection in October 2015 deemed the structure to be in good condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

Situated along the Beaver Creek-TR stream, Buck Pasture plays a vital role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Its strategic location in the Slick Rock city area, 63 miles from the Albuquerque District, highlights its importance for maintaining water supply, supporting agriculture, and mitigating potential risks associated with water scarcity and extreme weather events. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Buck Pasture stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation in Colorado.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.