Muleshoe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Muleshoe, also known as Hutch's Pond, is a private irrigation reservoir located in La Plata County, Colorado.


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Summary

Managed by the state regulatory agency DWR, this earth dam structure was completed in 1996 and serves the primary purpose of irrigation. With a dam height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, Muleshoe provides water for agricultural use in the Bondad area.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Muleshoe poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. The reservoir has a controlled spillway type with a width of 35 feet and is equipped with slide and valve outlet gates for water discharge. Regular inspections are conducted every six years to ensure the dam's safety and integrity, with the last assessment taking place in September 2019.

Located on Basin Creek in the Albuquerque District, Muleshoe offers recreational opportunities in addition to its irrigation functions. With a surface area of 4 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second, this reservoir plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Muleshoe presents a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam with significant implications for both agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

BASIN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.