Milton Lake
Key Takeaway
Milton Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 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 | 50 ft (taller than 88.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 6,099 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 44.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 21.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,660 acres |
| Drainage Area | 120 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,770 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2003 |
| NID ID | CO01899 |
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
FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S
Private
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Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Milton Lake?
Milton 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 Milton Lake?
Milton Lake is owned by FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Milton Lake built?
Milton Lake was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Milton Lake?
Milton Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Milton Lake?
Milton Lake has a dam height of 50 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 Milton Lake last inspected?
Milton Lake was last inspected on September 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.