Ridges Basin
Key Takeaway
Ridges Basin is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 2008 and is 18 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 273 ft (taller than 99.4% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,642 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 135.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 121.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,548 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10,048 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 2008 (18 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02952 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ridges Basin?
Ridges Basin 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 Ridges Basin?
Ridges Basin is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ridges Basin built?
Ridges Basin was completed in 2008, making it 18 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 Ridges Basin?
Ridges Basin 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 Ridges Basin?
Ridges Basin has a dam height of 273 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 Ridges Basin last inspected?
Ridges Basin was last inspected on September 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.