Grizzly

LINCOLN CREEK· Pitkin, Colorado· Built 1930· Rockfill· 56 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Other Private

Key Takeaway

Grizzly is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 56 ft (taller than 90.4% in CO)
Dam Length792 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage987 acre-ft
Normal Storage590 acre-ft
Surface Area44 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge3,350 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDCO01545

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 31, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

TWIN LAKES RESERVOIR AND CANAL COMPANY (HUGHES, BR

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Grizzly?

Grizzly 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 Grizzly?

Grizzly is owned by TWIN LAKES RESERVOIR AND CANAL COMPANY (HUGHES, BR (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Grizzly built?

Grizzly was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Grizzly?

Grizzly serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Grizzly?

Grizzly has a dam height of 56 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 Grizzly last inspected?

Grizzly was last inspected on August 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.