Duke Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Duke Lake, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this Earth-type dam stands at 34 feet high and spans a length of 1024 feet, with a storage capacity of 375 acre-feet. The lake's normal storage capacity is 295 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Duke Lake is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 29 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 820 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in September 2016, with an inspection frequency of every six years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Duke Lake offers a fascinating example of a man-made structure playing a crucial role in water supply management. Its location along Clear Creek-OS, in the city of Wheatridge, provides a serene setting for studying the intersection of human engineering and natural water systems. With its moderate risk assessment and state-mandated oversight, Duke Lake showcases the importance of responsible dam operation and maintenance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1024

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

33

Nid Storage

375

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

41
       
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.