Leon Lake

MIDDLE LEON CREEK· Mesa, Colorado· Built 1898· Earth· 30 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Leon Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 30 ft (taller than 65.6% in CO)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.3K acre-ft
Surface Area132 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge772 cfs
Year Completed1898 (128 years old)
NID IDCO00807

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

Ownership

LEON LAKE DITCH & RES. COMPANY (WALKER, JOHN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Leon Lake?

Leon Lake 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 Leon Lake?

Leon Lake is owned by LEON LAKE DITCH & RES. COMPANY (WALKER, JOHN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Leon Lake built?

Leon Lake was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 Leon Lake?

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

How tall is Leon Lake?

Leon Lake has a dam height of 30 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 Leon Lake last inspected?

Leon Lake was last inspected on July 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.