Grass Valley
Key Takeaway
Grass Valley is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 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 | 61 ft (taller than 91.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 320 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 542 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1892 (134 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00693 |
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
SILT WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Public Utility
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Grass Valley?
Grass Valley 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 Grass Valley?
Grass Valley is owned by SILT WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Grass Valley built?
Grass Valley was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Grass Valley?
Grass Valley 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 Grass Valley?
Grass Valley has a dam height of 61 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 Grass Valley last inspected?
Grass Valley was last inspected on April 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.