Big Meadows - Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Meadows - Main Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 61 ft (taller than 91.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,060 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 115 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,333 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00764 |
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
Private
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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Meadows - Main Dam?
Big Meadows - 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 Big Meadows - Main Dam?
Big Meadows - Main Dam is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Meadows - Main Dam built?
Big Meadows - Main Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Meadows - Main Dam?
Big Meadows - Main Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, 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 Meadows - Main Dam?
Big Meadows - Main Dam has a dam height of 61 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 Meadows - Main Dam last inspected?
Big Meadows - Main Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.