Vela
Vela is an earth dam located in Delta County, Colorado, built in 1959. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Vela
The primary purpose of Vela is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Vela, J. L. (private). It impounds the Surface Creek-tr near Cedaredge.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 625 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 517 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1959, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/20/2021.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Delta |
| Nearest City | Cedaredge |
| River/Stream | Surface Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 39.06334, -107.87390 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 625 ft |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 517 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 517 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 437 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,099 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | VELA, J. L. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/20/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00637 |
| Federal ID | CO00637 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |