Big Tooth
Key Takeaway
Big Tooth is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 810 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 277 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,655 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2009 |
| NID ID | CO00445 |
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 SPRINGS UTILITIES
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 36 ftBig Horn
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Significant Hazard 90 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Tooth?
Big Tooth 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 Tooth?
Big Tooth is owned by COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Tooth built?
Big Tooth was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Tooth?
Big Tooth serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Tooth?
Big Tooth 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 Tooth last inspected?
Big Tooth was last inspected on July 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.