Olympus
Key Takeaway
Olympus is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 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 | 70 ft (taller than 92.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,951 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 185 acres |
| Drainage Area | 158 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01662 |
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
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Olympus?
Olympus 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 Olympus?
Olympus is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Olympus built?
Olympus was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Olympus?
Olympus serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Olympus?
Olympus has a dam height of 70 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 Olympus last inspected?
Olympus was last inspected on July 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.