Bristlecone
Key Takeaway
Bristlecone is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 72 ft (taller than 93.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 65 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 113,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02435 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
FOREST LAKES METRO DISTRICT (ANN NICHOLS)
Private
Nearby Dams
Pinon
El Paso, CO
Significant Hazard 42 ftMonument Lake
El Paso, CO
Significant Hazard 47 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 3
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 50 ftWoodmoor Lake
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 58 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 4
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 80 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 2
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 70 ftWoodmoor C. C. #4
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 28 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 1
El Paso, CO
Significant Hazard 50 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bristlecone?
Bristlecone is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bristlecone?
Bristlecone is owned by FOREST LAKES METRO DISTRICT (ANN NICHOLS) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bristlecone built?
Bristlecone was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Bristlecone?
Bristlecone serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bristlecone?
Bristlecone has a dam height of 72 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 Bristlecone last inspected?
Bristlecone was last inspected on April 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.