Cedar Mesa
Key Takeaway
Cedar Mesa is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 | 47 ft (taller than 86.8% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 926 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,550 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00476 |
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
CEDAR MESA RESERVOIR CO. (FRITCHMAN, ERIK)
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cedar Mesa?
Cedar Mesa 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 Cedar Mesa?
Cedar Mesa is owned by CEDAR MESA RESERVOIR CO. (FRITCHMAN, ERIK) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cedar Mesa built?
Cedar Mesa was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Cedar Mesa?
Cedar Mesa 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 Cedar Mesa?
Cedar Mesa has a dam height of 47 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 Cedar Mesa last inspected?
Cedar Mesa was last inspected on July 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.