Wahatoya Lake
Key Takeaway
Wahatoya Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 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 | 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,845 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 405 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 330 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 83 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00513 |
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
CITY OF WALSENBURG
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wahatoya Lake?
Wahatoya Lake 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 Wahatoya Lake?
Wahatoya Lake is owned by CITY OF WALSENBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wahatoya Lake built?
Wahatoya Lake was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Wahatoya Lake?
Wahatoya Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Wahatoya Lake?
Wahatoya Lake has a dam height of 24 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 Wahatoya Lake last inspected?
Wahatoya Lake was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.