Buffalo

BUFFALO CREEK-TR· Jackson, Colorado· Built 1935· Earth· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Buffalo is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 36.1% in CO)
Dam Length1,084 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage476 acre-ft
Normal Storage351 acre-ft
Surface Area50 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge218 cfs
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
Year Modified1955
NID IDCO02106

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: July 30, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

BUFFALO CREEK LAND & CATTLE COMPANY (JOHN ZIEGMAN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buffalo?

Buffalo 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 Buffalo?

Buffalo is owned by BUFFALO CREEK LAND & CATTLE COMPANY (JOHN ZIEGMAN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buffalo built?

Buffalo was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Buffalo?

Buffalo 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 Buffalo?

Buffalo has a dam height of 20 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 Buffalo last inspected?

Buffalo was last inspected on July 30, 2015. 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.