Shadow Mountain
Key Takeaway
Shadow Mountain is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 63 ft (taller than 91.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,077 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 18.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,852 acres |
| Drainage Area | 187 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01666 |
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
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Shadow Mountain?
Shadow Mountain 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 Shadow Mountain?
Shadow Mountain is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shadow Mountain built?
Shadow Mountain was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Shadow Mountain?
Shadow Mountain serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Shadow Mountain?
Shadow Mountain has a dam height of 63 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 Shadow Mountain last inspected?
Shadow Mountain was last inspected on September 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.