Little Gem
Key Takeaway
Little Gem is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 525 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 248 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 219 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 735 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00587 |
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
TOWN OF ORCHARD CITY (OELKE, MELISSA)
Local Government
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Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Gem?
Little Gem 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 Little Gem?
Little Gem is owned by TOWN OF ORCHARD CITY (OELKE, MELISSA) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Gem built?
Little Gem was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Little Gem?
Little Gem serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Little Gem?
Little Gem 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 Little Gem last inspected?
Little Gem was last inspected on October 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.