Wommer #1
Wommer #1 is an earth dam located in La Plata County, Colorado, built in 1952. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Wommer #1
The primary purpose of Wommer #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 Barrette, Bruce (private). It impounds the Wommer Draw-tr near Bayfield.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 545 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 17 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. Completed in 1952, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/29/2022.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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 | La Plata |
| Nearest City | Bayfield |
| River/Stream | Wommer Draw-tr |
| Coordinates | 37.32196, -107.58898 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 545 ft |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Max Discharge | 2,173 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | BARRETTE, BRUCE |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01069 |
| Federal ID | CO01069 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |