Rueter Hess Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rueter Hess, also known as Frank Jaeger, is a state-regulated dam located in Parker, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 196 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply. With a storage capacity of 85,176 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,119 acres, Rueter Hess plays a crucial role in water resource management for the region.

Managed by local government authorities, Rueter Hess has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in March 2020. The dam's spillway, with a width of 545 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 25,227 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, Rueter Hess is regularly inspected and meets state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring the safety and reliability of the water supply infrastructure.

Situated on the Newlin Gulch-OS stream in Douglas County, Rueter Hess not only provides essential water storage but also contributes to flood control and environmental conservation efforts. With its strategic location and impressive capacity, this dam stands as a vital asset in the management of water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

7675

Dam Height

196

River Or Stream

NEWLIN GULCH-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1119

Hydraulic Height

188

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

85176

Structural Height

196

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

196
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.