Upper Mount Olivet Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Mount Olivet, also known as Mount Olivet No.


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Summary

1, is a privately owned dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the city of Wheatridge. Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 2342 feet, serving primarily for irrigation purposes along the Clear Creek-TR river system. With a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as not assessed for its condition.

Despite its age, Upper Mount Olivet has undergone regular inspections by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with the last inspection date recorded in May 1995. The dam's moderate risk assessment level (3) indicates a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The spillway of the dam is of the uncontrolled type, with a width of 45 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 220 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure and management of dams will find Upper Mount Olivet an intriguing case study. Its historical significance, purpose for irrigation, and location within a regulated state jurisdiction provide valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and assessing dams for both safety and functionality in a changing climate. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment level, Upper Mount Olivet serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with managing water resources in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

2342

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

104

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.