Fish Creek
Key Takeaway
Fish Creek is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 78 ft (taller than 93.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 868 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 136 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,589 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01020 |
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
CITY OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS (CARR, PUBLIC WORKS DIRE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 20 ftAqua Fria
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fish Creek?
Fish Creek 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 Fish Creek?
Fish Creek is owned by CITY OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS (CARR, PUBLIC WORKS DIRE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fish Creek built?
Fish Creek was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Fish Creek?
Fish Creek serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fish Creek?
Fish Creek has a dam height of 78 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 Fish Creek last inspected?
Fish Creek was last inspected on August 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.