Whiteley-Nelson dam
Whiteley-Nelson
Whiteley-Nelson is a private dam located in Routt County, Colorado, near Steamboat Springs. Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and stretches 254 feet in length. The primary purpose of Whiteley-Nelson is for irrigation, with additional functions including fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 526 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 426 acre-feet and a surface area of 25 acres.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in July 2017. It has a moderate risk rating and is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 1036 cubic feet per second, with Lawson Creek-Tr running nearby. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 1 square mile, making Whiteley-Nelson a vital water resource for the local community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Whiteley-Nelson offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. As an essential irrigation structure in Colorado, its management and maintenance play a crucial role in both water supply for agricultural purposes and ensuring the safety of downstream areas. The dam's historical significance, engineering design, and operational capabilities make it a noteworthy site for those interested in sustainable water management practices and the impacts of climate change on water resources.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Whiteley-Nelson -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yampa River Above Stagecoach Reservoir | 6 cfs | → |
| Yampa River Below Stagecoach Reservoir | 16 cfs | → |
| Walton Creek Near Steamboat Springs | 372 cfs | → |
| Fish Cr At Upper Sta Nr Steamboat Springs | 292 cfs | → |
| Yampa River At Steamboat Springs | 1,080 cfs | → |
| Elk River Near Milner | 1,670 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Whiteley-Nelson.
Boat launches
- Uncompahgre Road Routt County
- Catamount Bridge Boat Ramp
- Two Bridges Boat Ramp
- Radium Rec Site Boat Ramp
- Pinball Access Boat Ramp
- State Bridge Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Stagecoach State Park
- Crosho Lake Recreation Area
- Chapman Reservoir Campground
- Chapman Reservoir
- Trout Creek Recreation Area
- Trout Creek
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek
- Lower Fish Creek
- Burns To Dotsero
- State Bridge To Two Bridges
- Pumphouse To Double Bridges
- Colorado River Segment 5
More reservoirs
Track Whiteley-Nelson in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Whiteley-Nelson
Where does the data for Whiteley-Nelson come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Whiteley-Nelson.