Vaile

THIRD CREEK-OS· Adams, Colorado· Built 1892· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Vaile is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 4.4% in CO)
Dam Length2,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1892 (134 years old)
NID IDCO01727

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: March 9, 1993
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

JOHN AND LLOYD VAN SKIVER (LLOYD VAN SKIVER)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Vaile?

Vaile 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 Vaile?

Vaile is owned by JOHN AND LLOYD VAN SKIVER (LLOYD VAN SKIVER) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Vaile built?

Vaile was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Vaile?

Vaile 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 Vaile?

Vaile has a dam height of 10 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 Vaile last inspected?

Vaile was last inspected on March 9, 1993. 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.