Jerry Creek #1
Jerry Creek #1 is an earth dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Jerry Creek #1
The primary purpose of Jerry Creek #1 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Ute Water Conservancy District (private). It impounds the Plateau Creek-tr near Grand Junction.
The dam stands 57 feet tall and stretches 313 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 75 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,547 acre-feet. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/21/2022.
At 57 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Colorado dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Mesa |
| Nearest City | Grand Junction |
| River/Stream | Plateau Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 39.19083, -108.11600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Height | 56 ft |
| Dam Length | 313 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,547 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,547 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,033 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Max Discharge | 12,792 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | UTE WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01037 |
| Federal ID | CO01037 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |