Furness Arroyo Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gagliardi Hignio Cordova #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Las Animas, Colorado, the Furness Arroyo dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.
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Summary
Built in 1909, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches out over 1000 feet, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 485 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Furness Arroyo stream, covering a drainage area of 2 square miles and boasting a maximum discharge capability of 2340 cubic feet per second.
Managed by a private owner, the Furness Arroyo dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. Despite being last inspected in 1991, the dam has a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With its historical significance and vital role in local water resource management, the Furness Arroyo dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and continues to play a crucial role in the community's irrigation and water supply needs.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
FURNESS ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
40 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Furness Arroyo