Elder
Key Takeaway
Elder is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 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 | 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 666 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 88 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,321 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01164 |
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 41 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elder?
Elder 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 Elder?
Elder is owned by WRCC, INC. (NELSON, KIMBERLY) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elder built?
Elder was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 Elder?
Elder serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elder?
Elder has a dam height of 21 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 Elder last inspected?
Elder was last inspected on May 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.