Keeton Lake

LITTLE FOUNTAIN CREEK· El Paso, Colorado· Built 1936· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Keeton Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 23.3% in CO)
Dam Length385 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage48 acre-ft
Normal Storage11 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge7,989 cfs
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
Year Modified2007
NID IDCO00422

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: May 25, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CITY OF FOUNTAIN (JUSTIN MOORE)

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Keeton Lake?

Keeton Lake 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 Keeton Lake?

Keeton Lake is owned by CITY OF FOUNTAIN (JUSTIN MOORE) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Keeton Lake built?

Keeton Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Keeton Lake?

Keeton 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 Keeton Lake?

Keeton Lake has a dam height of 16 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 Keeton Lake last inspected?

Keeton Lake was last inspected on May 25, 2021. 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.