Tucker Lake - South Dam

RALSTON CREEK-OS· Jefferson, Colorado· Built 1899· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Tucker Lake - South Dam is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 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 20 ft (taller than 36.1% in CO)
Dam Length1,737 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage882 acre-ft
Surface Area56 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge640 cfs
Year Completed1899 (127 years old)
NID IDCO01181

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

DENVER VIEW RESERVOIR & IRRIGATION CO. (ESSERT, WE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tucker Lake - South Dam?

Tucker Lake - 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 Tucker Lake - South Dam?

Tucker Lake - South Dam is owned by DENVER VIEW RESERVOIR & IRRIGATION CO. (ESSERT, WE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tucker Lake - South Dam built?

Tucker Lake - South Dam was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Tucker Lake - South Dam?

Tucker Lake - South Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Tucker Lake - South Dam?

Tucker Lake - South Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Tucker Lake - South Dam last inspected?

Tucker Lake - South Dam was last inspected on March 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.