Tatum Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tatum Reservoir, located in Delta, Colorado, is a gravity dam built in 1959 for debris control purposes by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

With a structural height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 20 feet, this reservoir has a capacity of 121.82 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.71 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and not being state-regulated, Tatum Reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, and inspected by the Bureau of Land Management, Tatum Reservoir is a federal project that serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management. The dam's primary purpose is to control debris and its gravity design, with buttress and stone core types, showcases its durability and efficiency. The reservoir's last inspection date was in 2012, with a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, highlighting the commitment to ensuring its safety and functionality.

In addition to its practical function, Tatum Reservoir also provides a picturesque landscape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. Situated in a serene location with no associated structures or nearby city, this reservoir offers a tranquil setting for visitors to appreciate the intersection of human engineering and natural resources in the beautiful Colorado scenery.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

460

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2.71

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

121.82

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.