Sanborn

ST. VRAIN CREEK· Weld, Colorado· Built 1890· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Sanborn is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 23.3% in CO)
Dam Length2,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage284 acre-ft
Normal Storage214 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge640 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDCO01238

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: July 14, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

SANBORN DITCH COMPANY (PETE SALAZAR, PRESIDENT)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sanborn?

Sanborn 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 Sanborn?

Sanborn is owned by SANBORN DITCH COMPANY (PETE SALAZAR, PRESIDENT) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sanborn built?

Sanborn was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Sanborn?

Sanborn 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 Sanborn?

Sanborn has a dam height of 16 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 Sanborn last inspected?

Sanborn was last inspected on July 14, 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.