Kettle Creek Diversion Dam
Key Takeaway
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 80 ft (taller than 93.8% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,750 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01299 |
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
USAF ACADEMY
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Kettle Lake #3
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 15 ftChapel Hills #1
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 34 ftInterquest South Pond A
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 12 ftKettle Lake #2
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftChapel Hills #2
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 42 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 1
El Paso, CO
Significant Hazard 50 ftNon Potable Reservoir Dam 2
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 70 ftRobinson
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kettle Creek Diversion Dam?
Kettle Creek Diversion 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 Kettle Creek Diversion Dam?
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam is owned by USAF ACADEMY (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kettle Creek Diversion Dam built?
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Kettle Creek Diversion Dam?
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kettle Creek Diversion Dam?
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam has a dam height of 80 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 Kettle Creek Diversion Dam last inspected?
Kettle Creek Diversion Dam was last inspected on May 1, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.