Cucharas Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cucharas Reservoir, located in southeastern Colorado, was constructed in the 1970s for irrigation purposes with a capacity of 16,000 acre-feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The reservoir is fed by several small creeks and surface runoff from the surrounding terrain. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack accumulation in the nearby mountains, which provides the majority of the reservoir's water supply. The reservoir serves as a water source for irrigation of agricultural lands in the region, as well as for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The surrounding area is also used for grazing livestock. In recent years, the reservoir has faced challenges with declining water levels due to drought and decreased snowpack, leading to increased concerns about its long-term viability as a water source for the area.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 32%
Minimum 57.6 acre-ft
2013-02-17
Maximum 22,554.7 acre-ft
2005-12-07
Average 191 acre-ft
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Storage Levels

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.