Deweese

GRAPE CREEK· Custer, Colorado· Built 1903· Arch· 58 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Deweese is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 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 58 ft (taller than 90.9% in CO)
Dam Length386 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage4.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.3K acre-ft
Surface Area295 acres
Drainage Area370 sq mi
Max Discharge139,260 cfs
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDCO02068

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: April 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

DE WEESE DYE DITCH & RES. CO. (ARLIN BOLKEMA, PRES

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Deweese?

Deweese 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 Deweese?

Deweese is owned by DE WEESE DYE DITCH & RES. CO. (ARLIN BOLKEMA, PRES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Deweese built?

Deweese was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Deweese?

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

How tall is Deweese?

Deweese has a dam height of 58 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 Deweese last inspected?

Deweese was last inspected on April 29, 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.