Westerly Creek
Key Takeaway
Westerly Creek is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 45 ft (taller than 85.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 9,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 256 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 70,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02708 |
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
URBAN DRAINAGE & FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT (THOMAS, S
Public Utility
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Westerly Creek?
Westerly Creek 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 Westerly Creek?
Westerly Creek is owned by URBAN DRAINAGE & FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT (THOMAS, S (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Westerly Creek built?
Westerly Creek was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Westerly Creek?
Westerly Creek serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Westerly Creek?
Westerly Creek has a dam height of 45 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 Westerly Creek last inspected?
Westerly Creek was last inspected on December 7, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.