La Veta Lake South

CUCHARAS RIVER-OS· Huerfano, Colorado· Built 1901· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

La Veta Lake South is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 4.4% in CO)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage213 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed1901 (125 years old)
NID IDCO01135

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 25, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

TOWN OF LA VETA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of La Veta Lake South?

La Veta Lake South 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 La Veta Lake South?

La Veta Lake South is owned by TOWN OF LA VETA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was La Veta Lake South built?

La Veta Lake South was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 La Veta Lake South?

La Veta Lake South serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is La Veta Lake South?

La Veta Lake South has a dam height of 10 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 La Veta Lake South last inspected?

La Veta Lake South was last inspected on April 25, 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.