Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam

CHICKEN CREEK-TR· Montezuma, Colorado· Built 1905· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 81.3% in CO)
Dam Length1,020 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.5K acre-ft
Surface Area67 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,048 cfs
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDCO01077

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 6, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

BAUER LAKE RESERVOIR CO (WOLCOTT, BEN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam is owned by BAUER LAKE RESERVOIR CO (WOLCOTT, BEN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam built?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam last inspected?

Bauer Lake #2 - Main Dam was last inspected on May 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.