Sheep Lake dam
Sheep Lake
Sheep Lake, also known as Sheep Slough or Reservoir #14, is a privately owned water resource located in Cedaredge, Colorado. The reservoir, primarily used for irrigation purposes, was completed in 1889 and has a maximum storage capacity of 206 acre-feet. With a surface area of 13 acres and a drainage area of 0, Sheep Lake is fed by Ward Creek and has a maximum discharge of 295 cubic feet per second.
The dam at Sheep Lake is an earth-type structure with a height of 25 feet and a length of 795 feet. It is supported by a foundation of rock and soil, with a spillway width of 14 feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is deemed fair. The last inspection in 2013 revealed that the reservoir meets regulatory standards and is regularly monitored for safety and compliance. With its scenic location in Delta County and its historical significance as a water source for agricultural purposes, Sheep Lake remains an important feature in Colorado's water resource landscape.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sheep Lake to be a fascinating example of early dam engineering and water management practices in the western United States. Its strategic location in the Ward Creek watershed, combined with its functional design and historical importance, make Sheep Lake a valuable asset for irrigation and agricultural sustainability in the region. As concerns about water scarcity and climate change continue to challenge water resource management, Sheep Lake stands as a testament to the enduring role of human ingenuity in harnessing and preserving vital water resources for future generations.
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.
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sheep Lake.
⚓ Boat launches
- State Highway 65 25261, Delta County
- Z Road Delta County
- Ward Lake Boat Access - Grand Valley Rd
- Lakeshore Drive Delta County
- Sunset Boat Access- Grand Valley Rd
- Forest Road 125 Delta County
⛺ Campgrounds
- Little Bear Campground - Grand Valley Rd
- Ward Lake
- Ward Lake Campground - Grand Valley Rd
- Cobbett Campground - Grand Valley Rd
- Carp Lake
- Island Lake Campground - Grand Valley Rd
🎣 Fishing spots
- Deep Slough Reservoir
- Ward Lake
- Little Gem Reservoir
- Island Lake (Grand Mesa)
- Cobbett (Carp) Lake
- Ward Creek Reservoir
🛶 Paddle runs
- Gunnison River Segment 2
- West Fork Terror Creek
- Roubideau Creek Segment 2
- The Painted Wall To The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument-Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Boundary
- Roubideau Creek Segment 1
- Deep Creek
🛡 More reservoirs
More reservoirs →Track Sheep Lake 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 Sheep Lake
Where does the data for Sheep Lake 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 Sheep Lake.