Prewitt

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS· Washington, Colorado· Built 1912· Earth· 36 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Prewitt is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 77.6% in CO)
Dam Length15,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage51.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage28.8K acre-ft
Surface Area2,329 acres
Drainage Area105 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1912 (114 years old)
NID IDCO00385

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 5, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

LOGAN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (YAHN, JIM)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Prewitt?

Prewitt is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Prewitt?

Prewitt is owned by LOGAN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (YAHN, JIM) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Prewitt built?

Prewitt was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Prewitt?

Prewitt 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 Prewitt?

Prewitt has a dam height of 36 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 Prewitt last inspected?

Prewitt was last inspected on October 5, 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.