Trinidad Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Trinidad Dam, also known as Trinidad Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Las Animas, Colorado, along the Purgatoire River.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at 203 feet high and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation. With a storage capacity of 164,930 acre-feet, Trinidad Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its success in reducing flooding, the dam still poses a high hazard potential due to the risk of uncontrolled spillway flows during emergency operations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) actively manages this risk through regular inspections, maintenance activities, and risk communication efforts. A comprehensive risk assessment conducted in 2018 classified the likelihood of a dam breach as low, but emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences for downstream communities in the event of a breach.

USACE's risk management measures for Trinidad Dam include ongoing evaluations, maintenance activities, and communication efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With a focus on reducing flood risks and ensuring public safety, Trinidad Dam remains a critical component of water resource management in the region while facing the challenges posed by potential emergency situations.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

6610

Dam Height

203

River Or Stream

PURGATOIRE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1442

Hydraulic Height

195

Drainage Area

671

Nid Storage

164930

Structural Height

200

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

203
       
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.