Lake Arrowhead

E FORK LITTLE BLUE CREEK· Gunnison, Colorado· Built 1979· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Arrowhead is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 59.3% in CO)
Dam Length853 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage554 acre-ft
Normal Storage334 acre-ft
Surface Area44 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,200 cfs
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDCO01359

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: October 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

ARROWHEAD RANCH WATER COMPANY

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead is owned by ARROWHEAD RANCH WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Arrowhead built?

Lake Arrowhead was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Lake Arrowhead?

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

How tall is Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead has a dam height of 27 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 Lake Arrowhead last inspected?

Lake Arrowhead was last inspected on October 20, 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.