Mill Creek Dam No 1

MILL CREEK· Hinsdale, Colorado· Built 1954· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Creek Dam No 1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 29.2% in CO)
Dam Length438 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage40 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge480 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDCO02621

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: No
Last Inspection: September 14, 2010
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Creek Dam No 1?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 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 Mill Creek Dam No 1?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Creek Dam No 1 built?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Mill Creek Dam No 1?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mill Creek Dam No 1?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 has a dam height of 18 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 Mill Creek Dam No 1 last inspected?

Mill Creek Dam No 1 was last inspected on September 14, 2010. 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.