Pinon Lake

MARTINEZ CREEK-TR· Archuleta, Colorado· Built 1971· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Pinon Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 17% in CO)
Dam Length700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage310 acre-ft
Normal Storage123 acre-ft
Surface Area37 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,393 cfs
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDCO01747

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: October 10, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

FAIRFIELD PAGOSA (ALEX MARTINEZ)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pinon Lake?

Pinon 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 Pinon Lake?

Pinon Lake is owned by FAIRFIELD PAGOSA (ALEX MARTINEZ) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pinon Lake built?

Pinon Lake 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 Pinon Lake?

Pinon Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pinon Lake?

Pinon Lake has a dam height of 14 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 Pinon Lake last inspected?

Pinon Lake was last inspected on October 10, 2019. 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.