Located in Elbert County, Colorado, the Kiowa Creek Watershed K-79 dam is a key structure for flood risk reduction along the Kiowa Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1955 by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (now known as the USDA NRCS), this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet. With a storage capacity of 251 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3 square miles, the dam serves as a critical line of defense against potential flooding events in the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, the Kiowa Creek Watershed K-79 dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance. With a maximum discharge capacity of 6,129 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting surrounding communities and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Kiowa Creek Watershed K-79 dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure in the ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risks and safeguard water resources in Elbert County, Colorado.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
755 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
KIOWA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
251 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |