Jerry Creek Dike 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jerry Creek Dike 1, located in Mesa County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1978 by RJH Consultants, this dam stands at 40 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 35 feet, serving as a vital structure for the Jerry Gulch watershed. With a storage capacity of 5920 acre-feet and a surface area of 190 acres, it plays a crucial role in water management for the region.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2020. It is regularly regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The surrounding area is at risk due to the dam's high hazard potential, but there are no spillways or locks associated with the structure. With its strategic location and importance for water supply, Jerry Creek Dike 1 serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the Grand Junction area.

As a significant contributor to the water supply infrastructure in the region, Jerry Creek Dike 1 stands as a testament to the careful planning and maintenance required to manage water resources effectively. With its high hazard potential and satisfactory condition, this privately owned dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risks and ensuring water availability for the community. Its design by RJH Consultants and ongoing state regulation make it a key component in the water management system of Mesa County, Colorado.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

JERRY GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

190

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

5920

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.