Allen Basin
Key Takeaway
Allen Basin is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 52 ft (taller than 89% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 690 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,362 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01018 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ALLEN BASIN RESERVOIR CO. INC. (ROSSI, MARK)
Private
Nearby Dams
Simon #1
Rio Blanco, CO
Low Hazard 27 ftBurnt Mesa
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 23 ftMcchivvis
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 51 ftBull Park #2
Routt, CO
Low Hazard 22 ftHeart Lake
Rio Blanco, CO
Low Hazard 14 ftChapman
Rio Blanco, CO
Significant Hazard 34 ftSheriff
Rio Blanco, CO
High Hazard 47 ftYamcolo
Garfield, CO
High Hazard 97 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Allen Basin?
Allen Basin is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Allen Basin?
Allen Basin is owned by ALLEN BASIN RESERVOIR CO. INC. (ROSSI, MARK) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Allen Basin built?
Allen Basin was completed in 1956, making it 70 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Allen Basin?
Allen Basin serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Allen Basin?
Allen Basin has a dam height of 52 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Allen Basin last inspected?
Allen Basin was last inspected on September 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.