Grimes Brooks

RED DIRT CREEK-TR· Routt, Colorado· Built 1903· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Grimes Brooks 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 31 ft (taller than 68.6% in CO)
Dam Length680 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage720 acre-ft
Normal Storage426 acre-ft
Surface Area48 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge2,135 cfs
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDCO00922

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: August 24, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

GRIMES-BROOKS RESERVOIR CO. (PAULS, WILLIAM)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Grimes Brooks?

Grimes Brooks 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 Grimes Brooks?

Grimes Brooks is owned by GRIMES-BROOKS RESERVOIR CO. (PAULS, WILLIAM) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Grimes Brooks built?

Grimes Brooks 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 Grimes Brooks?

Grimes Brooks 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 Grimes Brooks?

Grimes Brooks has a dam height of 31 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 Grimes Brooks last inspected?

Grimes Brooks was last inspected on August 24, 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.