Upper Blue
Key Takeaway
Upper Blue is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 75 ft (taller than 93.4% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 867 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,922 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00871 |
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 SPRINGS UTILITIES
Local Government
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High Hazard 235 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Blue?
Upper Blue 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 Upper Blue?
Upper Blue is owned by COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Blue built?
Upper Blue was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Upper Blue?
Upper Blue serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Blue?
Upper Blue has a dam height of 75 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 Upper Blue last inspected?
Upper Blue was last inspected on August 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.