Bear Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Creek Dam, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, was completed in 1979 by the US Army Corps of Engineers with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Bear Creek.


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Summary

It is an earth dam with a height of 179 feet and a storage capacity of 75,000 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding in the highly urbanized Denver metropolitan area and downstream communities, although it alone cannot eliminate the possibility of flooding.

USACE categorizes the risk associated with Bear Creek Dam as "moderate" due to the potential consequences to downstream communities in the event of a breach. The dam safety program includes ongoing actions to monitor and maintain the dam, as well as risk reduction measures such as improving runoff forecast models and increasing public awareness of flood risks. Communities downstream are encouraged to stay informed about potential flood impacts and have emergency plans in place to mitigate individual risks. For more information on the USACE Dam Safety Program and risk assessments, visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Dam-Safety-Program.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

5300

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

174

Drainage Area

236

Nid Storage

75000

Structural Height

179

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0, Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

179
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.