John Townsend
Key Takeaway
John Townsend is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 46 ft (taller than 86.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 303 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Max Discharge | 285 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01292 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Fort Carson
Federal Government
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High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of John Townsend?
John Townsend is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates John Townsend?
John Townsend is owned by Fort Carson (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was John Townsend built?
John Townsend was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Townsend?
John Townsend serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is John Townsend?
John Townsend has a dam height of 46 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 Townsend last inspected?
John Townsend was last inspected on May 19, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.