Bonita

SURFACE CREEK-TR· Delta, Colorado· Built 1893· Earth· 28 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bonita is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 61.6% in CO)
Dam Length430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage360 acre-ft
Normal Storage230 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,005 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDCO00424

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 30, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

ELMER FERGANCHICK

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bonita?

Bonita is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bonita?

Bonita is owned by ELMER FERGANCHICK (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bonita built?

Bonita was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Bonita?

Bonita serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bonita?

Bonita has a dam height of 28 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 Bonita last inspected?

Bonita was last inspected on June 30, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.