Trinidad Dam
Key Takeaway
Trinidad Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 203 ft (taller than 98.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 6,610 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 164.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 71.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,442 acres |
| Drainage Area | 671 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 458,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00050 |
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
USACE - Albuquerque District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Trinidad Dam?
Trinidad 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 Trinidad Dam?
Trinidad Dam is owned by USACE - Albuquerque District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Trinidad Dam built?
Trinidad Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Trinidad Dam?
Trinidad Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Trinidad Dam?
Trinidad Dam has a dam height of 203 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 Trinidad Dam last inspected?
Trinidad Dam was last inspected on March 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.