Deweese is an arch dam located in Custer County, Colorado, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 63 ft63 ft tall and 386 ft long, taller than 95% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic arch section and the water level is illustrative.
About Deweese
The primary purpose of Deweese is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by De Weese Dye Ditch & Res. Co. (arlin Bolkema, Pres (private). It impounds the Grape Creek near Canon City.
The dam stands 63 feet tall and stretches 386 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 295 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,441 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 370 square miles. Completed in 1903, 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 04/29/2022.
At 63 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 | Custer |
| Nearest City | Canon City |
| River/Stream | Grape Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.21001, -105.45223 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 63 ft |
| Dam Height | 58 ft |
| Dam Length | 386 ft |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,441 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,441 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,338 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 295 acres |
| Drainage Area | 370 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 139,260 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | De Weese Dye Ditch & Res. Co. (arlin Bolkema, Pres |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02068 |
| Federal ID | CO02068 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |