Sharps Orchard
Key Takeaway
Sharps Orchard is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 23.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,470 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00505 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
C.E. WELCH (C. E. WELCH)
Private
Nearby Dams
Lajoya
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 18 ftLevy
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 10 ftHolita
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 22 ftWalsenburg Ponds
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 14 ftHuajatolla Hills
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 29 ftAlessi Flood Control Dam
Huerfano, CO
High Hazard 29 ftMaria
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 20 ftSaliba Lake
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 42 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sharps Orchard?
Sharps Orchard 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 Sharps Orchard?
Sharps Orchard is owned by C.E. WELCH (C. E. WELCH) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sharps Orchard built?
Sharps Orchard was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Sharps Orchard?
Sharps Orchard 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 Sharps Orchard?
Sharps Orchard 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 Sharps Orchard last inspected?
Sharps Orchard was last inspected on December 11, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.