Rist - Benson
Key Takeaway
Rist - Benson is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 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 | 15 ft (taller than 20.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,495 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 819 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 456 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 62 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,508 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2001 |
| NID ID | CO00167 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
LOUDEN IRRIGATING CANAL AND RESERVOIR COMPANY (LEA
Private
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High Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rist - Benson?
Rist - Benson 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 Rist - Benson?
Rist - Benson is owned by LOUDEN IRRIGATING CANAL AND RESERVOIR COMPANY (LEA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rist - Benson built?
Rist - Benson was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Rist - Benson?
Rist - Benson 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 Rist - Benson?
Rist - Benson has a dam height of 15 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 Rist - Benson last inspected?
Rist - Benson was last inspected on July 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.