Chapman Reservoir

FRYING PAN DITCH DIVERSION· Pitkin, Colorado· Built 1938· Concrete· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Chapman Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 38 ft (taller than 79.2% in CO)
Dam Length160 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage190 acre-ft
Normal Storage120 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge376 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDCO00676

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 19, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chapman Reservoir?

Chapman Reservoir 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 Chapman Reservoir?

Chapman Reservoir is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chapman Reservoir built?

Chapman Reservoir was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Chapman Reservoir?

Chapman Reservoir 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 Chapman Reservoir?

Chapman Reservoir has a dam height of 38 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 Chapman Reservoir last inspected?

Chapman Reservoir was last inspected on November 19, 2020. 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.