Lake Catamount

YAMPA RIVER· Routt, Colorado· Built 1974· Earth· 52 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Catamount is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 52 ft (taller than 89% in CO)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage15.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.4K acre-ft
Surface Area563 acres
Drainage Area390 sq mi
Max Discharge30,900 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDCO02140

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 7, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CATAMOUNT METRO DISTRICT (ANDERSON, DISTRICT MANAG

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Catamount?

Lake Catamount 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 Lake Catamount?

Lake Catamount is owned by CATAMOUNT METRO DISTRICT (ANDERSON, DISTRICT MANAG (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Catamount built?

Lake Catamount 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 Lake Catamount?

Lake Catamount 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 Lake Catamount?

Lake Catamount has a dam height of 52 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 Catamount last inspected?

Lake Catamount was last inspected on June 7, 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.