Humphreys
Humphreys is a concrete dam located in Mineral County, Colorado, built in 1923. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Humphreys
The primary purpose of Humphreys is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Wagon Wheel Associates (private). It impounds the Goose Creek near 4ur Ranch.
The dam stands 85 feet tall and stretches 186 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 44 acres, has a storage capacity of 842 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 53 square miles. Completed in 1923, the structure is over a century old.
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 07/19/2022.
At 85 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Mineral |
| Nearest City | 4ur Ranch |
| River/Stream | Goose Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.68024, -106.85034 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Length | 186 ft |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 842 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 842 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,225 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wagon Wheel Associates |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/19/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00772 |
| Federal ID | CO00772 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |