Thomas
Thomas is an earth dam located in Pitkin County, Colorado, built in 1938. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Thomas
The primary purpose of Thomas is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Ranch Lake (carney, Ian) (private). It impounds the Thomas Creek-os near Carbondale.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 292 acre-feet. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 09/09/2022.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Pitkin |
| Nearest City | Carbondale |
| River/Stream | Thomas Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 39.34001, -107.19224 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 292 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 292 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 172 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Max Discharge | 800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | RANCH LAKE (CARNEY, IAN) |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01402 |
| Federal ID | CO01402 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |