Martin Lake
Key Takeaway
Martin Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 190 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2010 |
| NID ID | CO01327 |
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 WALSENBURG
Local Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Martin Lake?
Martin 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 Martin Lake?
Martin Lake is owned by CITY OF WALSENBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Martin Lake built?
Martin Lake was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Martin Lake?
Martin Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Martin Lake?
Martin Lake has a dam height of 24 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 Martin Lake last inspected?
Martin Lake was last inspected on May 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.