Lake Moraine
Key Takeaway
Lake Moraine is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 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 | 42 ft (taller than 83.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 77 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,120 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1891 (135 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00901 |
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
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Significant Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Moraine?
Lake Moraine 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 Moraine?
Lake Moraine is owned by COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Moraine built?
Lake Moraine was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Moraine?
Lake Moraine serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Moraine?
Lake Moraine has a dam height of 42 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 Moraine last inspected?
Lake Moraine was last inspected on July 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.