Monument Lake

MONUMENT CREEK· El Paso, Colorado· Built 1893· Earth· 47 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Monument Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 47 ft (taller than 86.8% in CO)
Dam Length851 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage922 acre-ft
Normal Storage305 acre-ft
Surface Area31 acres
Drainage Area30 sq mi
Max Discharge21,849 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
Year Modified2002
NID IDCO00429

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: May 14, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

TOWN OF MONUMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Monument Lake?

Monument Lake 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 Monument Lake?

Monument Lake is owned by TOWN OF MONUMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Monument Lake built?

Monument Lake was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Monument Lake?

Monument Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Monument Lake?

Monument Lake has a dam height of 47 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 Monument Lake last inspected?

Monument Lake was last inspected on May 14, 2021. 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.