Williams Fork Main

Williams Fork River· Grand, Colorado· Built 1959· Concrete· 209 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Williams Fork Main is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 209 ft (taller than 98.8% in CO)
Dam Length674 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage96.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage96.8K acre-ft
Surface Area1,700 acres
Drainage Area230 sq mi
Max Discharge7,725 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDCO00717

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

Denver Water

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Williams Fork Main?

Williams Fork Main 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 Williams Fork Main?

Williams Fork Main is owned by Denver Water (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Williams Fork Main built?

Williams Fork Main was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Williams Fork Main?

Williams Fork Main serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Williams Fork Main?

Williams Fork Main has a dam height of 209 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 Williams Fork Main last inspected?

Williams Fork Main was last inspected on September 28, 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.