Buckeye #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckeye #1 is a historic earth dam located on Buckeye Creek in Montrose, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

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
       
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.