Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-3
Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-3 is an earth dam located in Otero County, Colorado, built in 1972. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-3
The primary purpose of Crooked Arroyo Det Ca-3 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Otero County (nichols, Lex) (local government). It impounds the Crooked Arroyo-tr near La Junta.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,504 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 51 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 753 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1972, 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 10/07/2021.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Otero |
| Nearest City | La Junta |
| River/Stream | Crooked Arroyo-tr |
| Coordinates | 37.96243, -103.61280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,504 ft |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 753 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 753 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 446 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 51 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,250 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | OTERO COUNTY (NICHOLS, LEX) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/07/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00520 |
| Federal ID | CO00520 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |