Burgess #1

RULE CREEK· Teller, Colorado· Built 1965· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Burgess #1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 70.4% in CO)
Dam Length332 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage268 acre-ft
Normal Storage210 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge3,660 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDCO01793

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 21, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

SPRING VALLEY PROPERTY OWNERS & REC. CORP.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burgess #1?

Burgess #1 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 Burgess #1?

Burgess #1 is owned by SPRING VALLEY PROPERTY OWNERS & REC. CORP. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burgess #1 built?

Burgess #1 was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Burgess #1?

Burgess #1 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 Burgess #1?

Burgess #1 has a dam height of 32 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 Burgess #1 last inspected?

Burgess #1 was last inspected on September 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.