Platte Canyon
Key Takeaway
Platte Canyon is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 30 ft (taller than 65.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,437 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 963 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,470 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01814 |
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
DENVER BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Pond 14
Douglas, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftFoothills Holding Pond
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Low Hazard 25 ftAurora-Rampart
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Significant Hazard 48 ftPlatte Canyon Intake
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Low Hazard 31 ftFairview #2
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Low Hazard 13 ftFairview # 1
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Low Hazard 12 ftWakeman
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Low Hazard 10 ftStrontia Springs
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High Hazard 292 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Platte Canyon?
Platte Canyon 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 Platte Canyon?
Platte Canyon is owned by DENVER BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Platte Canyon built?
Platte Canyon was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 Platte Canyon?
Platte Canyon serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Platte Canyon?
Platte Canyon has a dam height of 30 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 Platte Canyon last inspected?
Platte Canyon was last inspected on August 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.