Summit - South Dam
Key Takeaway
Summit - South Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 | 10 ft (taller than 4.4% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 402 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 650 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02882 |
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
SUMMIT RESERVOIR & IRRIGATION COMPANY (WAGNER, LAU
Private
Nearby Dams
Summit - Main Dam
Montezuma, CO
High Hazard 42 ftHurst
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 10 ftA. M. Puett
Montezuma, CO
Significant Hazard 43 ftLost Canyon
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftCoppinger #1
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 21 ftBig Pine
Montezuma, CO
Significant Hazard 26 ftGrimes
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 21 ftSellers and Mcclane
Montezuma, CO
Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Summit - South Dam?
Summit - South Dam 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 Summit - South Dam?
Summit - South Dam is owned by SUMMIT RESERVOIR & IRRIGATION COMPANY (WAGNER, LAU (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Summit - South Dam built?
Summit - South Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Summit - South Dam?
Summit - South Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Summit - South Dam?
Summit - South Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Summit - South Dam last inspected?
Summit - South Dam was last inspected on October 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.