Nichols
Key Takeaway
Nichols is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 56 ft (taller than 90.4% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 425 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 625 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 415 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,505 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01313 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Northfield
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 20 ftNorthfield Wtp Backwash Reservoir
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 30 ftRampart
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 230 ftPalmer Lake #5
El Paso, CO
Significant Hazard 35 ftAspen Lake
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 21 ftRegulating Reservoir
El Paso, CO
High Hazard 96 ftLeo Lake
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 15 ftColumbine
El Paso, CO
Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Nichols?
Nichols is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Nichols?
Nichols is owned by COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nichols built?
Nichols was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Nichols?
Nichols serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Nichols?
Nichols has a dam height of 56 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 Nichols last inspected?
Nichols was last inspected on August 23, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.