Cole #5

SURFACE CREEK-TR· Delta, Colorado· Built 1963· Earth· 24 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Cole #5 is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO)
Dam Length830 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage201 acre-ft
Normal Storage116 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge441 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDCO00554

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 3, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

GRAND MESA WATER USERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cole #5?

Cole #5 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 Cole #5?

Cole #5 is owned by GRAND MESA WATER USERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cole #5 built?

Cole #5 was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Cole #5?

Cole #5 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 Cole #5?

Cole #5 has a dam height of 24 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 Cole #5 last inspected?

Cole #5 was last inspected on June 3, 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.