Teller
Key Takeaway
Teller is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 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 | 85 ft (taller than 94.4% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 78 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 183 acres |
| Drainage Area | 78 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 85,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1988 |
| NID ID | CO00902 |
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
Fort Carson
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Teller?
Teller 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 Teller?
Teller is owned by Fort Carson (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Teller built?
Teller was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Teller?
Teller serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Teller?
Teller has a dam height of 85 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 Teller last inspected?
Teller was last inspected on May 19, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.