Sylvan Lake
Key Takeaway
Sylvan Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 28 ft (taller than 61.6% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 425 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 718 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 43 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00670 |
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
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET)
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (TAYLOR, MARGARET) (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sylvan Lake built?
Sylvan Lake was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake has a dam height of 28 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 Sylvan Lake last inspected?
Sylvan Lake was last inspected on August 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.