Built in 1908, this earthen dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 2500 feet. Its primary purpose is for irrigation, with additional recreational benefits. The dam has a storage capacity of 822 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 638 acre-feet.
Despite its age, Smith has been deemed to have a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 410 feet, and it has a maximum discharge of 3500 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in May 2020, and the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. With its location on Bear Creek-OS, Smith remains a crucial structure for water resource management in the region, but ongoing maintenance and risk management measures are essential to ensure its safety and functionality for the future.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
2500 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
822 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
40 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bear Creek Lake Park
|
||
Clear Creek RV Park
|
||
Chatfield State Park
|
||
Gennessee ropes camp spot
|