Upper Tule Lake

S PLATTE R-TR· Arapahoe, Colorado· Built 1892· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Tule Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 8.7% in CO)
Dam Length330 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage204 acre-ft
Normal Storage92 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge2,302 cfs
Year Completed1892 (134 years old)
NID IDCO01816

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 23, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

PATRICK BENNETT RESERVOIR COMPANY (WILDAY, JAY)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Tule Lake?

Upper Tule Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Tule Lake?

Upper Tule Lake is owned by PATRICK BENNETT RESERVOIR COMPANY (WILDAY, JAY) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Tule Lake built?

Upper Tule Lake was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Tule Lake?

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

How tall is Upper Tule Lake?

Upper Tule Lake has a dam height of 11 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 Tule Lake last inspected?

Upper Tule Lake was last inspected on March 23, 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.