Benchmark Lake dam
Benchmark Lake
Benchmark Lake, also known as Nottingham Lake, is a picturesque water resource nestled in the heart of Avon, Colorado. Managed by the local government, this reservoir serves as a key hub for recreational activities and water supply purposes in the region. Built in 1977, the earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet, with a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet and a surface area of 19 acres.
With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a hazard potential rated as "High," Benchmark Lake is closely monitored and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. Despite its fair condition assessment as of September 2020, the dam presents a moderate risk level due to its proximity to the Eagle River. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2014, highlighting the importance of ongoing preparedness and risk management measures for potential incidents.
Water and climate enthusiasts will be drawn to Benchmark Lake not only for its scenic beauty but also for the dynamic interplay between human interventions and natural forces that shape its ecosystem. As a vital water source for the local community and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this reservoir embodies the delicate balance between water management, public safety, and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns and emerging risks.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Benchmark Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle R Bl Wastewater Treatment Plant At Avon | 676 cfs | → |
| Beaver Creek At Avon | 15 cfs | → |
| Lake Creek Near Edwards | 141 cfs | → |
| Gore Creek At Mouth | 317 cfs | → |
| Gore Creek Abv Red Sandstone Creek At Vail | 292 cfs | → |
| Piney River Below Piney Lake | 85 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Benchmark Lake.
Boat launches
- Eagle Valley Trail Avon
- Wolcott Boat Ramp
- State Bridge River Access
- State Bridge Boat Ramp
- Homestake Reservoir Boat Ramp Day Use Area
- Two Bridges Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Benchmark Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Benchmark Lake
Where does the data for Benchmark Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Benchmark Lake.