Prospect Lake

FOUNTAIN CREEK-OS· El Paso, Colorado· Built 1954· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Prospect Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 8.7% in CO)
Dam Length690 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage615 acre-ft
Normal Storage512 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge429 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
Year Modified2005
NID IDCO01142

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: April 9, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Prospect Lake?

Prospect 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 Prospect Lake?

Prospect Lake is owned by CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Prospect Lake built?

Prospect Lake was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Prospect Lake?

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

How tall is Prospect Lake?

Prospect Lake has a dam height of 11 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 Prospect Lake last inspected?

Prospect Lake was last inspected on April 9, 2021. 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.