Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike
Key Takeaway
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 22 ft (taller than 43.8% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 820 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 384 acres |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00446 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike 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 Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike built?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike has a dam height of 22 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 Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike last inspected?
Mt. Elbert Forebay Saddle Dike was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.