Mcintosh

ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1902· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mcintosh is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 26.3% in CO)
Dam Length2,350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.5K acre-ft
Surface Area263 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge6,354 cfs
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
NID IDCO01229

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 31, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

LAKE MCINTOSH RESERVOIR COMPANY (WADE GONZALES)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mcintosh?

Mcintosh is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mcintosh?

Mcintosh is owned by LAKE MCINTOSH RESERVOIR COMPANY (WADE GONZALES) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mcintosh built?

Mcintosh was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 Mcintosh?

Mcintosh 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 Mcintosh?

Mcintosh has a dam height of 17 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 Mcintosh last inspected?

Mcintosh was last inspected on August 31, 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.