Douglas
Key Takeaway
Douglas is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 39 ft (taller than 80.5% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 565 acres |
| Drainage Area | 43 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 39,750 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01163 |
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
WRCC, INC. (NELSON, KIMBERLY)
Private
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Douglas?
Douglas 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 Douglas?
Douglas is owned by WRCC, INC. (NELSON, KIMBERLY) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Douglas built?
Douglas was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Douglas?
Douglas serves the following purposes: Irrigation, 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 Douglas?
Douglas has a dam height of 39 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 Douglas last inspected?
Douglas was last inspected on August 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.