Huerfano Valley
Key Takeaway
Huerfano Valley is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1888 and is 138 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 32.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 331 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1888 (138 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1948 |
| NID ID | CO00499 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BASIN LANDS LLC/GREAT PLAINS IRRIGATION CO. LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Huerfano Valley?
Huerfano Valley 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 Huerfano Valley?
Huerfano Valley is owned by BASIN LANDS LLC/GREAT PLAINS IRRIGATION CO. LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Huerfano Valley built?
Huerfano Valley was completed in 1888, making it 138 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 Huerfano Valley?
Huerfano Valley 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 Huerfano Valley?
Huerfano Valley has a dam height of 19 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 Huerfano Valley last inspected?
Huerfano Valley was last inspected on August 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.