Summary
Owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam was completed in 1956 and stands at a height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet. With a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet, the dam primarily regulates the flow of water from a tributary to Cottonwood Creek, providing crucial water resource management for the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Cottonwood Detention Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flooding risks and ensuring water availability for various uses in the region. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With its strategic location and effective design, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area, under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management.
Overall, Cottonwood Detention Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Colorado. As a critical piece of infrastructure for fire protection and water storage, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk assessment and management in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential hazards. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water regulation, Cottonwood Detention Dam remains a key asset in the region's sustainable development and environmental stewardship efforts.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUARY TO COTTENWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
131 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
131 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Arkansas River Near Wellsville
|
276cfs |
South Platte River Near Lake George
|
73cfs |
Arkansas River At Parkdale
|
306cfs |
Arkansas River At Salida
|
214cfs |
Arkansas River Near Nathrop
|
258cfs |
S Platte R Ab 11-Mile Canyon Re
|
64cfs |
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.
Cottonwood Detention Dam
Cottonwood Creek
East Gulch