Mesa Creek #1

MESA CREEK· Mesa, Colorado· Built 1893· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mesa Creek #1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 47.2% in CO)
Dam Length875 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage645 acre-ft
Normal Storage279 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,076 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDCO00846

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 11, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

MESA CREEK RES. CO.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mesa Creek #1?

Mesa Creek #1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mesa Creek #1?

Mesa Creek #1 is owned by MESA CREEK RES. CO. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mesa Creek #1 built?

Mesa Creek #1 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 Mesa Creek #1?

Mesa Creek #1 serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mesa Creek #1?

Mesa Creek #1 has a dam height of 23 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 Mesa Creek #1 last inspected?

Mesa Creek #1 was last inspected on August 11, 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.