Buckeye #1

BUCKEYE CREEK· Montrose, Colorado· Built 1910· Earth· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Buckeye #1 is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 38 ft (taller than 79.2% in CO)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.5K acre-ft
Surface Area142 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge900 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
Year Modified1984
NID IDCO00206

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 18, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

PARADOX VALLEY CANAL & RESERVOIR COMPANY

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buckeye #1?

Buckeye #1 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 Buckeye #1?

Buckeye #1 is owned by PARADOX VALLEY CANAL & RESERVOIR COMPANY (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buckeye #1 built?

Buckeye #1 was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Buckeye #1?

Buckeye #1 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 Buckeye #1?

Buckeye #1 has a dam height of 38 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 Buckeye #1 last inspected?

Buckeye #1 was last inspected on May 18, 2022. 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.