Keeton Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Keeton Lake, located in El Paso County, Colorado, is a significant water supply reservoir with a primary purpose of providing water for the city of Pueblo.


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Summary

Built in 1936, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14 feet, with a structural height of 27 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 11 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 7989 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2019. The spillway, with a width of 115 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam itself stretches for 385 feet in length. The risk assessment for Keeton Lake is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3. Overall, Keeton Lake serves as a crucial water resource in the region, ensuring a stable water supply for the local community while being subject to regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its safety standards.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

LITTLE FOUNTAIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

48

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.