Foothills
Key Takeaway
Foothills is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 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 | 52 ft (taller than 89% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 183 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,350 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00173 |
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
HIGHLAND DITCH COMPANY (WADE GONZALES)
Private
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Significant Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Foothills?
Foothills 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 Foothills?
Foothills is owned by HIGHLAND DITCH COMPANY (WADE GONZALES) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Foothills built?
Foothills was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Foothills?
Foothills serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Foothills?
Foothills has a dam height of 52 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 Foothills last inspected?
Foothills was last inspected on June 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.