Franktown Parker Fpm-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Franktown Parker Fpm-1, also known as Mitchell M-1 or Mitchell Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Franktown, Colorado.


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Summary

Designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Mitchell Gulch-TR river or stream. With a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential hazards in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Franktown Parker Fpm-1 is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its operational effectiveness and safety. The dam's unique characteristics, such as its structural height of 44 feet and length of 655 feet, make it a key component in the flood risk management strategy for the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1894 cubic feet per second and a risk assessment rating of high, the dam's importance in water resource management cannot be understated.

Overall, Franktown Parker Fpm-1 represents a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Douglas County, Colorado. Its history, design, and purpose highlight the critical role that dams play in managing water flow, protecting communities from flooding, and ensuring the resilience of the local ecosystem in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

MITCHELL GULCH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

184

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

44
       
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.