Watson Lake
Key Takeaway
Watson Lake is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 4,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 532 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 415 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 39 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02065 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
State Government
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watson Lake?
Watson Lake 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 Watson Lake?
Watson Lake is owned by COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watson Lake built?
Watson Lake was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Watson Lake?
Watson Lake serves the following purposes: 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 Watson Lake?
Watson Lake 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.
When was Watson Lake last inspected?
Watson Lake was last inspected on November 5, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.