Big Horn
Key Takeaway
Big Horn is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 313 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 191 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 360 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02139 |
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
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
Local Government
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High Hazard 42 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Horn?
Big Horn 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 Big Horn?
Big Horn is owned by COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Horn built?
Big Horn was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Horn?
Big Horn serves the following purposes: Water Supply, 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 Horn?
Big Horn has a dam height of 21 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 Horn last inspected?
Big Horn was last inspected on July 19, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.