Julesburg #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Julesburg #2 Julesburg #1a
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Julesburg #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Sedgwick, Colorado, specifically in the city of Dorsey.
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Summary
Built in 1910, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 38,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 1578 acres. It sits on Cottonwood Creek-TR and is under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its age, Julesburg #3 has a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020. With a hydraulic height of 43 feet and a length of 2070 feet, the dam poses moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 2572 cubic feet per second. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure public safety and effective emergency action plans are in place.
As an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure, Julesburg #3 plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture and recreation activities in the region. Its historical significance combined with its functional importance underscores the necessity of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital water management structure.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
2070 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1578 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
38600 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
162cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
South Platte River At Roscoe Nebr
|
209cfs |
South Platte River At Cooper Bridge
|
13cfs |
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.
Julesburg #3