Jefferson Lake
Key Takeaway
Jefferson Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 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 | 30 ft (taller than 65.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 126 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,231 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00363 |
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 AURORA
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Jefferson Lake?
Jefferson 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 Jefferson Lake?
Jefferson Lake is owned by CITY OF AURORA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Jefferson Lake built?
Jefferson Lake was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Jefferson Lake?
Jefferson Lake 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 Jefferson Lake?
Jefferson Lake has a dam height of 30 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 Jefferson Lake last inspected?
Jefferson Lake was last inspected on July 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.