Panhandle
Key Takeaway
Panhandle is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 53 ft (taller than 89.5% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,060 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00145 |
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
CRYSTAL LAKES WATER & SEWER ASSOCIATION (GOODELL,
Private
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Low Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Panhandle?
Panhandle 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 Panhandle?
Panhandle is owned by CRYSTAL LAKES WATER & SEWER ASSOCIATION (GOODELL, (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Panhandle built?
Panhandle was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Panhandle?
Panhandle serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Panhandle?
Panhandle has a dam height of 53 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 Panhandle last inspected?
Panhandle was last inspected on August 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.