Marston Lake - South Dam
Key Takeaway
Marston Lake - South Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 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 | 33 ft (taller than 72.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,351 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 21.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 652 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 220 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1899 (127 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02798 |
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
DENVER BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
Public Utility
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Marston Lake - South Dam?
Marston Lake - South Dam 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 Marston Lake - South Dam?
Marston Lake - South Dam is owned by DENVER BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Marston Lake - South Dam built?
Marston Lake - South Dam was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Marston Lake - South Dam?
Marston Lake - South Dam 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 Marston Lake - South Dam?
Marston Lake - South Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Marston Lake - South Dam last inspected?
Marston Lake - South Dam was last inspected on April 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.