Guanella
Key Takeaway
Guanella is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 2004 and is 22 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 | 34 ft (taller than 74.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 237 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2004 (22 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02852 |
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 GOLDEN (STAMBAUGH, WILL)
Local Government
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Guanella?
Guanella 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 Guanella?
Guanella is owned by CITY OF GOLDEN (STAMBAUGH, WILL) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Guanella built?
Guanella was completed in 2004, making it 22 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 Guanella?
Guanella 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 Guanella?
Guanella has a dam height of 34 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 Guanella last inspected?
Guanella was last inspected on June 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.