Spires Broadmoor South Debris Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spires Broadmoor South Debris Dam, located in El Paso, Colorado, stands as a critical structure designed by URS CORPORATION for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam boasts a height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, with a structural height of 32 feet. Its primary purpose is debris control and flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 7 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 656 cubic feet per second.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, with a fair condition assessment as of September 2020. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam meets regulatory standards with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a spillway width of 53 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in August 2014.

Overall, Spires Broadmoor South Debris Dam serves as a crucial structure within the broader water resource management framework in Colorado. Its strategic location and design contribute to the protection of surrounding communities from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive infrastructure planning and maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

27

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

32
       
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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.