Willow Lake
Key Takeaway
Willow Lake is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 26.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 53 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 23 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,750 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2017 |
| NID ID | CO02727 |
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
BIG ELK MEADOWS HOA
Private
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Willow Lake?
Willow 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 Willow Lake?
Willow Lake is owned by BIG ELK MEADOWS HOA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Willow Lake built?
Willow Lake was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Willow Lake?
Willow Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Willow Lake?
Willow Lake has a dam height of 17 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 Willow Lake last inspected?
Willow Lake was last inspected on September 24, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.