Lewis Reservoir Report

Nearby: Woods Oaks

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Kremmling, Colorado, the Lewis dam is a private-owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 2006, the dam stands at 18 feet tall with a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Pinto Creek-TR, with a maximum discharge of 142 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 9 acres. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, which ensures regular inspections and enforcement to maintain safety standards.

Designed by Steve Steffens, the Lewis dam is an earth-fill structure with a stone core and soil foundation. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 22 feet. The dam has no associated locks but features uncontrolled outlet gates. The last inspection in October 2019 deemed the dam to be in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Emergency action plans and inundation maps have not been prepared for the dam, highlighting potential areas for improvement in risk management and emergency response protocols.

With its strategic location and critical role in irrigation, the Lewis dam serves as a vital water resource in Grand County, Colorado. As climate change continues to impact water availability and management, ensuring the safety and resilience of structures like the Lewis dam is crucial for sustainable water use and environmental protection in the region.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

PINTO CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

97

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.