Amber
Key Takeaway
Amber is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 47.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 65 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1989 |
| NID ID | CO02878 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
LAKE DURANGO WATER AUTHORITY
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Johnson #2
La Plata, CO
Low Hazard 18 ftJohnson
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High Hazard 41 ftMuleshoe
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Low Hazard 24 ftUpper Railroad
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Low Hazard 29 ftRidges Basin
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High Hazard 273 ftDurango Terminal
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High Hazard 35 ftSouthern Pond Open Space
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Significant Hazard 11 ftTurner
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High Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Amber?
Amber is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Amber?
Amber is owned by LAKE DURANGO WATER AUTHORITY (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Amber built?
Amber was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 Amber?
Amber serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Amber?
Amber has a dam height of 23 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 Amber last inspected?
Amber was last inspected on August 24, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.