Higgins

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS· Adams, Colorado· Built 1893· Earth· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Higgins is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 1.3% in CO)
Dam Length2,130 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge224 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDCO01123

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
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

HUNT, WILLIAM (WILLIAM HUNT)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Higgins?

Higgins 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 Higgins?

Higgins is owned by HUNT, WILLIAM (WILLIAM HUNT) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Higgins built?

Higgins was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Higgins?

Higgins 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 Higgins?

Higgins has a dam height of 8 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.

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.