Barren
Key Takeaway
Barren is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1886 and is 140 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 23.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 759 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 81 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1886 (140 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00361 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
SURFACE CREEK DITCH & RESERVOIR CO. (WAIBEL, KEITH
Private
Nearby Dams
Eggleston
Delta, CO
High Hazard 35 ftReed
Delta, CO
Significant Hazard 22 ftDonnelly #1
Delta, CO
Significant Hazard 20 ftKennicott Slough
Delta, CO
High Hazard 36 ftUpper Hotel Lake
Delta, CO
Low Hazard 15 ftHotel Lake Dam
Delta, CO
High Hazard 21 ftKiser Slough
Delta, CO
High Hazard 33 ftKiser
Delta, CO
Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barren?
Barren is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Barren?
Barren is owned by SURFACE CREEK DITCH & RESERVOIR CO. (WAIBEL, KEITH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barren built?
Barren was completed in 1886, making it 140 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Barren?
Barren serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Barren?
Barren has a dam height of 16 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Barren last inspected?
Barren was last inspected on June 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.