John Martin Dam
Key Takeaway
John Martin Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 53.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 13,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 608.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 345.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11,590 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01283 |
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
USACE - Albuquerque District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of John Martin Dam?
John Martin Dam 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 John Martin Dam?
John Martin Dam is owned by USACE - Albuquerque District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was John Martin Dam built?
John Martin Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 John Martin Dam?
John Martin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is John Martin Dam?
John Martin Dam has a dam height of 25 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 John Martin Dam last inspected?
John Martin Dam was last inspected on May 9, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.