Manitou
Key Takeaway
Manitou is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 123 ft (taller than 97.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 519 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1998 |
| NID ID | CO00426 |
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
CITY OF MANITOU SPRINGS (MILLS, RUSS)
Local Government
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Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Manitou?
Manitou 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 Manitou?
Manitou is owned by CITY OF MANITOU SPRINGS (MILLS, RUSS) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Manitou built?
Manitou was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Manitou?
Manitou 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 Manitou?
Manitou has a dam height of 123 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 Manitou last inspected?
Manitou was last inspected on June 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.