Morgan Creek #1

MORGAN CREEK· Routt, Colorado· Built 1908· Earth· 29 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Morgan Creek #1 is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 64% in CO)
Dam Length745 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage225 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge467 cfs
Year Completed1908 (118 years old)
NID IDCO02081

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: October 12, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

SMITH RANCHO LAND & LIVESTOCK

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Morgan Creek #1?

Morgan Creek #1 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 Morgan Creek #1?

Morgan Creek #1 is owned by SMITH RANCHO LAND & LIVESTOCK (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Morgan Creek #1 built?

Morgan Creek #1 was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Morgan Creek #1?

Morgan Creek #1 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 Morgan Creek #1?

Morgan Creek #1 has a dam height of 29 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 Morgan Creek #1 last inspected?

Morgan Creek #1 was last inspected on October 12, 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.