Cottonwood Lake
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood Lake is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 6 ft (taller than 0.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 41 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 540 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | CO03036 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood Lake built?
Cottonwood Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake 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 Cottonwood Lake?
Cottonwood Lake has a dam height of 6 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 Cottonwood Lake last inspected?
Cottonwood Lake was last inspected on September 17, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.