Horseshoe Lake
Key Takeaway
Horseshoe Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 4,180 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 172 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 373 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | CO00498 |
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
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET)
State Government
Nearby Dams
Walsenburg City Lake
Huerfano, CO
High Hazard 21 ftMartin Lake
Huerfano, CO
High Hazard 24 ftAlessi Flood Control Dam
Huerfano, CO
High Hazard 29 ftHuajatolla Hills
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 29 ftMarchiori
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 26 ftWalsenburg Ponds
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 14 ftLevy
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 10 ftSharps Orchard
Huerfano, CO
Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET) (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Horseshoe Lake built?
Horseshoe Lake was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake has a dam height of 24 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 Horseshoe Lake last inspected?
Horseshoe Lake was last inspected on November 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.