Ruby Lee

BIG SALT WASH-TR· Mesa, Colorado· Built 1922· Earth· 50 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Ruby Lee is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 88.1% in CO)
Dam Length435 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage124 acre-ft
Normal Storage53 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge116 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDCO00835

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: April 23, 1992
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

HITCHBORN LIVESTOCK CO. INC. (DON HITCHBORN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Mack Mesa

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Upper Highline

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High Hazard 87 ft

Roots

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Low Hazard 28 ft

Echo Lake

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Low Hazard 23 ft

Badger Detention

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Low Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ruby Lee?

Ruby Lee 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 Ruby Lee?

Ruby Lee is owned by HITCHBORN LIVESTOCK CO. INC. (DON HITCHBORN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ruby Lee built?

Ruby Lee was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Ruby Lee?

Ruby Lee serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ruby Lee?

Ruby Lee has a dam height of 50 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 Ruby Lee last inspected?

Ruby Lee was last inspected on April 23, 1992. 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.