Jackson Lake
Key Takeaway
Jackson Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 39 ft (taller than 80.5% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 13,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 60.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 27.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,427 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,224 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2001 |
| NID ID | CO00016 |
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
JACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR CO. (CYNTHIA LEFEVER)
Private
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Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Jackson Lake?
Jackson 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 Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake is owned by JACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR CO. (CYNTHIA LEFEVER) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Jackson Lake built?
Jackson Lake was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake has a dam height of 39 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 Jackson Lake last inspected?
Jackson Lake was last inspected on August 5, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.