Mckay Lake - East
Key Takeaway
Mckay Lake - East is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 20 ft (taller than 36.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,410 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 445 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 375 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 67 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,893 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2005 |
| NID ID | CO00240 |
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
THOMPSON, SPENCER
Local Government
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mckay Lake - East?
Mckay Lake - East 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 Mckay Lake - East?
Mckay Lake - East is owned by THOMPSON, SPENCER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mckay Lake - East built?
Mckay Lake - East was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Mckay Lake - East?
Mckay Lake - East 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 Mckay Lake - East?
Mckay Lake - East has a dam height of 20 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 Mckay Lake - East last inspected?
Mckay Lake - East was last inspected on May 12, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.