Carter Lake Dam No. 1
Key Takeaway
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 214 ft (taller than 98.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,235 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 116.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 112.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,551 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01650 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Significant Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Carter Lake Dam No. 1?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 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 Carter Lake Dam No. 1?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Carter Lake Dam No. 1 built?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Carter Lake Dam No. 1?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Carter Lake Dam No. 1?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 214 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 Carter Lake Dam No. 1 last inspected?
Carter Lake Dam No. 1 was last inspected on June 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.