Smith

TRINCHERA CREEK· Costilla, Colorado· Built 1914· Rockfill· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smith is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 70.4% in CO)
Dam Length585 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage14.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.1K acre-ft
Surface Area587 acres
Drainage Area351 sq mi
Max Discharge12,200 cfs
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
Year Modified2010
NID IDCO00792

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 23, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

TRINCHERA IRRIGATION CO. (TRACY KESTER)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith?

Smith is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Smith?

Smith is owned by TRINCHERA IRRIGATION CO. (TRACY KESTER) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith built?

Smith was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Smith?

Smith serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Smith?

Smith has a dam height of 32 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 Smith last inspected?

Smith was last inspected on June 23, 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.