Johnston

LILLEY GULCH· Jefferson, Colorado· Built 1974· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Johnston is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 8.7% in CO)
Dam Length1,530 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage547 acre-ft
Surface Area82 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,650 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDCO01827

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 23, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

FOOTHILLS PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT (INSLEY, COLI

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Johnston?

Johnston is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Johnston?

Johnston is owned by FOOTHILLS PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT (INSLEY, COLI (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Johnston built?

Johnston was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Johnston?

Johnston 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 Johnston?

Johnston has a dam height of 11 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 Johnston last inspected?

Johnston was last inspected on March 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.