Ridges Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ridges Basin, located in La Plata County, Colorado, is a federally owned water resource with a primary purpose of water supply.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam at Ridges Basin is an Earth dam type, standing at a height of 272.7 feet and completed in 2008. With a storage capacity of 135,721 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,548 acres, Ridges Basin plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Ridges Basin is regulated and inspected by the federal agency to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is situated on Basin Creek and is designed to meet state jurisdiction and permitting requirements. With a high hazard potential, the dam at Ridges Basin is subject to regular inspections and emergency action planning to mitigate potential risks and protect surrounding communities.

Ridges Basin serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply in the area, contributing to the overall water management efforts in Colorado. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Ridges Basin plays a key role in ensuring water security and meeting the water needs of the region. The dam's construction and management reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

1642

Dam Height

272.7

River Or Stream

BASIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1548

Hydraulic Height

217

Drainage Area

10048

Nid Storage

135721

Structural Height

273

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

273
       
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.