Chief Creek #4 is an earth dam located in Yuma County, Colorado, built in 1956. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 22 ft22 ft tall and 1,100 ft long. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Chief Creek #4
The primary purpose of Chief Creek #4 is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (taylor, Margaret) (state). It impounds the Chief Creek near Wray.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 1,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 291 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 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 11/01/2021.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Yuma |
| Nearest City | Wray |
| River/Stream | Chief Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.08473, -102.27420 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 291 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 291 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 107 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,560 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (taylor, Margaret) |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/01/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00389 |
| Federal ID | CO00389 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |