Chapman is an earth dam located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, built in 1940. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 34 ft34 ft tall and 250 ft long, taller than 78% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Chapman
The primary purpose of Chapman is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Prima Ranches, LLC (gates, Valerie) (private). It impounds the Little Oak Creek near Oak Creek.
The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 471 acre-feet. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 09/22/2021.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Rio Blanco |
| Nearest City | Oak Creek |
| River/Stream | Little Oak Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.18668, -107.09057 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 471 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 471 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 246 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Max Discharge | 200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Prima Ranches, LLC (gates, Valerie) |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/22/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02159 |
| Federal ID | CO02159 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |