Georgetown Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Georgetown, located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, is home to a crucial water supply dam on the South Clear Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and serves as a primary source for water supply in the region. With a storage capacity of 922 acre-feet and a normal storage of 386 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in meeting both recreational and water supply needs in the area.

Despite its age, the dam at Georgetown has been well-maintained, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020. However, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 11,557 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 108 feet, the dam is equipped to handle significant inflows and protect downstream areas in case of emergencies.

Under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Georgetown's dam remains a critical infrastructure for the community, balancing the needs of water supply, recreation, and public safety. Its strategic location and robust design highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SOUTH CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

63

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

81

Nid Storage

922

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.