2 CCR 402-1-5 - Determination of Safe Storage Level

5.1 Authority to Determine Safe Storage Level. The State Engineer is assigned the responsibility to determine the safe storage level for every reservoir in the state in accordance with section 37-87-107, C.R.S. The Owner shall not store water in excess of the amount so determined by the State Engineer to be safe.

5.2 Methods to Determine Safe Storage Level. The State Engineer will use the following methods to determine the safe storage level:

5.2.1 Safety Inspection. The State Engineer shall perform regular dam safety inspections at a frequency appropriate to the hazard classification of the dam. These inspections will be performed using current observation methods and tools, and adhere to current standards. Observations will be recorded in a standardized report format, and provided to the Owner following the inspection. Interim dam safety inspections may also be performed between regular inspection cycles when warranted by either the condition of the dam or events impacting the safety of the dam.

5.2.2 Potential Failure Modes Analysis. Potential Failure Modes Analysis may be performed following identification of a concerning issue during the regular or interim inspection and/or as part of a periodic comprehensive dam safety evaluation.

5.3 Restriction of Storage. If problems affecting the safe storage level of the reservoir are discovered, the State Engineer will issue a restriction order as an interim measure until the problems have been resolved. The Owner shall comply with the restriction order at all times. The restriction order will be removed or revised by the State Engineer only after acceptance of repairs or approval of engineering evaluations indicating the problems have been adequately resolved.

5.4 Review of Hazard Classification. As part of the determination of the safe storage level, the State Engineer will periodically review the hazard classification of existing dams by evaluating the consequences of failure applying the definitions of Rule 4.13 . If the State Engineer's review indicates the consequences of failure have changed within the dam failure inundation area, the State Engineer will assign an appropriate new hazard classification. The State Engineer will require the dam to meet the requirements of these Rules as they apply to the new hazard classification within a reasonable period of time.

Notes

2 CCR 402-1-5

42 CR 23, December 10, 2019, effective 1/1/2020