Woods Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woods Lake in San Miguel County, Colorado, is a state-regulated Fish and Wildlife Pond situated on Fall Creek.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1951, is primarily used for fish and wildlife conservation as well as recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet and a surface area of 23 acres. The dam is an Earth type structure with a height of 11 feet and a hydraulic height of 5 feet.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Woods Lake poses a high risk due to its location and the potential impact of a dam failure. The outlet gates consist of a slide gate and an uncontrolled gate, with the last inspection conducted in 2010 and a scheduled inspection frequency of every 6 years. The dam lacks a spillway, which could pose a risk in the event of excessive water flow.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Woods Lake can appreciate its role in supporting local fish and wildlife populations while enjoying recreational activities in the area. However, there is a need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam to mitigate the high risk associated with its location and structure.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

117

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

FALL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

188

Structural Height

5

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.