Tolle & Ditch #1
May 2, 2024
Tolle & Ditch #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Avondale, Colorado, along Chico Creek. Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 1115 feet, providing a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, supporting a drainage area of 1 square mile.
Despite its low hazard potential, Tolle & Ditch #1 is categorized as high risk due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated." The last inspection of the dam took place in October 1979, raising concerns about its current structural integrity and safety measures. Although the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, the lack of recent assessments and emergency action plans leaves room for improvement in risk management and mitigation strategies. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this case to be a compelling example of the importance of regular dam maintenance and monitoring in the face of changing environmental conditions.
| Year_Completed | 1945 |
| Dam_Height | 13 |
| River_Or_Stream | CHICO CREEK |
| Dam_Length | 1115 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
| Surface_Area | 6 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 13 |
| Drainage_Area | 1 |
| Nid_Storage | 56 |
| Structural_Height | 16 |
| Hazard_Potential | Low |
| Nid_Height | 16 |
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