Upper Elk Reservoir

UPPER ELK CREEK· Moffat, Colorado· Built 2012· Earth· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Elk Reservoir is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 2012 and is 14 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in CO)
Dam Length230 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage238 acre-ft
Normal Storage143 acre-ft
Surface Area24 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge1,126 cfs
Year Completed2012 (14 years old)
NID IDCO03059

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

DIAMOND PEAK CATTLE COMPANY (RAFTOPOULOS, JOHN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Elk Reservoir?

Upper Elk Reservoir is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Elk Reservoir?

Upper Elk Reservoir is owned by DIAMOND PEAK CATTLE COMPANY (RAFTOPOULOS, JOHN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Elk Reservoir built?

Upper Elk Reservoir was completed in 2012, making it 14 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 Elk Reservoir?

Upper Elk Reservoir serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Elk Reservoir?

Upper Elk Reservoir has a dam height of 21 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.

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.