Silver Lake
Key Takeaway
Silver Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1887 and is 139 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 | 70 ft (taller than 92.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 104 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,370 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1887 (139 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00249 |
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
CITY OF BOULDER (CLARK, KEVIN)
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Island Lake
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Low Hazard 18 ftGoose Lake
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Significant Hazard 32 ftAlbion Lake
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Significant Hazard 36 ftGreen Lake No. 1
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Low Hazard 24 ftGreen Lake No. 2
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Low Hazard 52 ftGreen Lake No. 3
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Low Hazard 28 ftLeft Hand Park
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High Hazard 50 ftBrainard Lake
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Silver Lake?
Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake?
Silver Lake is owned by CITY OF BOULDER (CLARK, KEVIN) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Lake built?
Silver Lake was completed in 1887, making it 139 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 Silver Lake?
Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has a dam height of 70 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 Silver Lake last inspected?
Silver Lake was last inspected on August 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.