Barton Porter West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barton Porter West is a privately owned earth dam located in Silt, Colorado, along Alkali Creek (East).


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this irrigation dam stands at 89 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 1309 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge of 3710 cubic feet per second, the dam serves its primary purpose of irrigation while also posing a high hazard potential due to its location and design.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Barton Porter West underwent its last inspection in May 2020, with a satisfactory condition assessment and a moderate risk rating of 3. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in May 2020, ensuring that proper guidelines and measures are in place to address any potential risks or emergencies. With a drainage area of 0 and a surface area of 25 acres, this structure plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Barton Porter West serves as a noteworthy example of a modern irrigation dam in Colorado. Its design by Golder Associates, state regulation, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources highlight the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and risk management in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water storage and distribution systems in the region.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

790

Dam Height

89

River Or Stream

ALKALI CREEK (EAST)-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

76

Nid Storage

1309

Structural Height

89

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

89
       
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.