Clear Lake

South Clear Creek· Clear Creek, Colorado· Built 1908· Earth· 19 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Clear Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 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	19 ft (taller than 32.7% in CO)
Dam Length	150 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	585 acre-ft

Surface Area	26 acres
Drainage Area	15 sq mi
Max Discharge	250 cfs
Year Completed	1908 (118 years old)
NID ID	CO01241

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: August 30, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

Public Service Company of Colorado

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

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Cabin Creek Lower

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Cabin Creek Upper

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Georgetown Forebay

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Georgetown

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Guanella

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Silver Dollar

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Murray

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clear Lake?

Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is owned by Public Service Company of Colorado (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clear Lake built?

Clear Lake was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Clear Lake?

Clear Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clear Lake?

Clear Lake has a dam height of 19 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 Clear Lake last inspected?

Clear Lake was last inspected on August 30, 2022. 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.