Lake Isabel
Key Takeaway
Lake Isabel is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 98 ft (taller than 96% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 680 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,550 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00494 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Isabel?
Lake Isabel 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 Isabel?
Lake Isabel is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Isabel built?
Lake Isabel was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Isabel?
Lake Isabel serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Isabel?
Lake Isabel has a dam height of 98 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 Isabel last inspected?
Lake Isabel was last inspected on September 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.