Lake Roslyn dam
Lake Roslyn
Lake Roslyn, also known as Ruby Lake, is a private water resource nestled in Jackson County, Colorado. Built in 1938, this earth dam stands at 35 feet tall and serves multiple purposes including irrigation and recreation. With a storage capacity of 425 acre-feet, the lake covers a surface area of 27 acres and is fed by Howdy Creek. Its significant hazard potential is managed through regular inspections, with the latest assessment in 2018 deeming its condition satisfactory.
Owned by a private entity, Lake Roslyn offers a serene escape for water and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities. Its uncontrolled spillway and ample storage make it a vital resource for the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 510 cubic feet per second. The dam's structural integrity is upheld through state-regulated inspections and enforcement, ensuring the safety of its surrounding community and downstream areas along Howdy Creek.
Visitors to Lake Roslyn can enjoy the scenic views and recreational opportunities provided by its tranquil waters. From fishing and boating to picnicking along its shores, this picturesque reservoir offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Colorado's natural beauty. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history dating back to the early 20th century, Lake Roslyn remains a beloved destination for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Roslyn -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Creek Near Rand | 62 cfs | → |
| Michigan River Near Cameron Pass | 7 cfs | → |
| Joe Wright Creek Above Joe Wright Reservoir | 3 cfs | → |
| Colorado R Below Baker Gulch | 179 cfs | → |
| Grand River Ditch At La Poudre Pass | 105 cfs | → |
| Joe Wright Creek Below Joe Wright Reservoir | 30 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Roslyn.
Boat launches
- Chambers Lake Boating Site
- Hilltop Boating Site
- Grand County
- Us 34 Grand County
- Boat Launch Grand Lake
- Willow Creek Boating Site
Campgrounds
- Ranger Lakes - State Forest State Park
- Denver Creek
- Denver Creek Campground
- North Michigan - State Forest State Park
- Bockman - State Forest State Park
- Sawmill Gulch
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Begins 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road To Ends Where River Segment Exits Rocky Mountain National Park
- Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road
- Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road
- Headwaters To Fan Lake
- Big South
- Spencer Heights
More reservoirs
Track Lake Roslyn in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Roslyn
Where does the data for Lake Roslyn come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Roslyn.