Soap Retenton Dam

REDROCK CANYON· Mesa, Colorado· Built 1960· Gravity·
Low Hazard Debris Control Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Soap Retenton Dam is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Length362 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage46 acre-ft
Normal Storage46 acre-ft
Surface Area24 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDCO01269

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: September 11, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Soap Retenton Dam?

Soap Retenton Dam 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 Soap Retenton Dam?

Soap Retenton Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Soap Retenton Dam built?

Soap Retenton Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Soap Retenton Dam?

Soap Retenton Dam serves the following purposes: Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Soap Retenton Dam last inspected?

Soap Retenton Dam was last inspected on September 11, 2018. 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.