With a dam height of 70 feet and a storage capacity of 5030 acre-feet, this earth dam on the S. Fork Buffalo Creek serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with additional benefits for recreation. The dam has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety.
Despite its fair condition assessment and moderate risk level, Wellington dam has a spillway width of 116 feet and a maximum discharge of 726 cubic feet per second. The dam's location in Jefferson County, Colorado, means it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 4 square miles and a surface area of 170 acres. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, Wellington continues to be a vital part of the water infrastructure in the region, supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulatory agencies.
Year Completed |
1895 |
Dam Length |
1075 |
Dam Height |
70 |
River Or Stream |
S. FORK BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
170 |
Hydraulic Height |
64 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
5030 |
Structural Height |
84 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
84 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Green Mountain
|
||
Green Mountain Campground
|
||
Meadows Group Campground
|
||
Buffalo
|
||
Xanadu
|
||
Kelsey Campground
|