Colorado Beef Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunny Brook Thurston Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Colorado Beef is a privately owned water supply dam located in Lamar, CO, serving as a crucial resource for agricultural operations in Prowers County, Colorado.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 431 acre-feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 353 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Colorado Beef is a reliable water source for the surrounding area, ensuring water security for cattle ranching and farming activities.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Colorado Beef plays a vital role in maintaining the Riverview Ditch-OS water system, supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. This dam, designed by ENVIRO-AG ENGINEERING, INC., undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With a moderate risk assessment rating, Colorado Beef is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates to manage water flow and prevent potential hazards during periods of high discharge.
As a key component of the water infrastructure in the region, Colorado Beef represents the intersection of water resource management and agricultural sustainability. With its strategic location and critical role in water supply, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of effective water management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the resilience of Colorado's water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Length |
3600 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
RIVERVIEW DITCH-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
431 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Colorado Beef
John Martin Reservoir At Caddoa