Big Beaver
Key Takeaway
Big Beaver is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 90 ft (taller than 95.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 263 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,095 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1996 |
| NID ID | CO00962 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET)
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Beaver?
Big Beaver 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 Big Beaver?
Big Beaver is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET) (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Beaver built?
Big Beaver was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Big Beaver?
Big Beaver serves the following purposes: 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 Big Beaver?
Big Beaver has a dam height of 90 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 Big Beaver last inspected?
Big Beaver was last inspected on June 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.