Little Gem

ST VRAIN CREEK-TR· Weld, Colorado· Built 1902· Earth· 27 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Little Gem is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 59.3% in CO)
Dam Length1,350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage175 acre-ft
Normal Storage134 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge967 cfs
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
Year Modified2019
NID IDCO00859

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
Last Inspection: May 28, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

KROES, MARK

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently 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 KROES, MARK (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Little Gem built?

Little Gem was completed in 1902, making it 124 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: 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 27 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 May 28, 2021. 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.