Lake John
Key Takeaway
Lake John is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 53.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,723 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 16.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 612 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00993 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
State Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake John?
Lake John 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 John?
Lake John is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake John built?
Lake John was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 John?
Lake John serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake John?
Lake John has a dam height of 25 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 John last inspected?
Lake John was last inspected on December 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.