Rule Creek

RULE CREEK-OS· Teller, Colorado· Built 1939· Earth· 35 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rule Creek is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 75.7% in CO)
Dam Length125 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage99 acre-ft
Normal Storage63 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge2,269 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDCO00339

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 15, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

UTE LAKE FISHING & REC. CLUB (GUENTHER POLOK)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rule Creek?

Rule Creek 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 Rule Creek?

Rule Creek is owned by UTE LAKE FISHING & REC. CLUB (GUENTHER POLOK) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rule Creek built?

Rule Creek was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Rule Creek?

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

How tall is Rule Creek?

Rule Creek has a dam height of 35 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 Rule Creek last inspected?

Rule Creek was last inspected on October 15, 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.