New Thomas
New Thomas is an earth dam located in Weld County, Colorado, built in 1976. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About New Thomas
The primary purpose of New Thomas 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 Xcel Energy (public utility). It impounds the Howlett Gulch near Evans.
The dam stands 57 feet tall and stretches 4,378 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 195 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,354 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 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 07/20/2022.
At 57 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Weld |
| Nearest City | Evans |
| River/Stream | Howlett Gulch |
| Coordinates | 40.22513, -104.94493 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,378 ft |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,354 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,354 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,297 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 195 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,083 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | XCEL ENERGY |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01218 |
| Federal ID | CO01218 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |