Bergen East

Bergen East is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, built in 1874. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Bergen East

The primary purpose of Bergen East is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Bergen Ditch & Reservoir Company (easton, Robert) (private). It impounds the Weaver Gulch near Morrison.

The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 41 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,150 acre-feet. Completed in 1874, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

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 04/18/2022.

At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateColorado
CountyJefferson
Nearest CityMorrison
River/StreamWeaver Gulch
Coordinates39.62106, -105.15321

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height40 ft
Dam Height40 ft
Dam Length1,300 ft
Year Completed1874 (152 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,150 acre-ft
Max Storage1,150 acre-ft
Normal Storage706 acre-ft
Surface Area41 acres
Max Discharge2,600 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerBERGEN DITCH & RESERVOIR COMPANY (EASTON, ROBERT)
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/18/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCO01821
Federal IDCO01821
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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