Rampart

West Monument Creek· El Paso, Colorado· Built 1970· Earth· 230 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Rampart is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 230 ft (taller than 99.1% in CO)
Dam Length3,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage41.0K acre-ft
Surface Area300 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge11,145 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDCO00434

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 25, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

Colorado Springs, City of

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rampart?

Rampart 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 Rampart?

Rampart is owned by Colorado Springs, City of (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rampart built?

Rampart was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Rampart?

Rampart serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Rampart?

Rampart has a dam height of 230 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 Rampart last inspected?

Rampart was last inspected on October 25, 2022. 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.