Buckeye #1 is a historic earth dam located on Buckeye Creek in Montrose, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1910, this dam stands at a height of 38 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 3233 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 70 feet, and it is equipped with slide and uncontrolled outlet gates.
Maintained by a public utility, Buckeye #1 is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment is rated as fair. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has a history of meeting regulatory guidelines and emergency action preparedness.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buckeye #1 offers a fascinating case study in historic dam construction and management practices in the American West. Its location in the picturesque Paradox Valley, along with its significant storage capacity and irrigation purpose, make it an important piece of Colorado's water infrastructure. The dam's ongoing risk assessment and management measures provide valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining critical water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
BUCKEYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
142 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
3233 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
38 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Buckeye
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Buckeye Recreation Area
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Dolores River Camp 4
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Dolores River Camp 5
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Dolores River Camp 7
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Dolores River Camp 6
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