Spinney Mountain
Key Takeaway
Spinney Mountain is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 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 | 90 ft (taller than 95.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 4,125 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 83.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 53.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,450 acres |
| Drainage Area | 772 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 104,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02677 |
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 AURORA
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Spinney Mountain?
Spinney 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 Spinney Mountain?
Spinney Mountain is owned by CITY OF AURORA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Spinney Mountain built?
Spinney Mountain was completed in 1982, making it 44 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 Spinney Mountain?
Spinney Mountain serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Spinney Mountain?
Spinney Mountain has a dam height of 90 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 Spinney Mountain last inspected?
Spinney Mountain was last inspected on July 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.