Hatcher
Hatcher is an earth dam located in Archuleta County, Colorado, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hatcher
The primary purpose of Hatcher 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 Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (larry Ly (private). It impounds the Martinez Creek-tr near Pagosa Springs.
The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 798 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 133 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,480 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1965, 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 08/31/2022.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Archuleta |
| Nearest City | Pagosa Springs |
| River/Stream | Martinez Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 37.31278, -107.11140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 46 ft |
| Dam Length | 798 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,480 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,480 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,735 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 133 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | PAGOSA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (LARRY LY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01094 |
| Federal ID | CO01094 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |