Hogchute
Hogchute is an earth dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, built in 1947. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Hogchute
The primary purpose of Hogchute 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 City Of Grand Junction (local government). It impounds the Kannah Creek near Whitewater.
The dam stands 56 feet tall and stretches 620 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 41 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 610 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles. Completed in 1947, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 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 08/11/2021.
At 56 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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 | Mesa |
| Nearest City | Whitewater |
| River/Stream | Kannah Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.99501, -108.11224 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 56 ft |
| Dam Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 610 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 610 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 520 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/11/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00088 |
| Federal ID | CO00088 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |