Clear Creek, also known as Otero Reservoir, is a vital water resource located in Buena Vista, Colorado, within Chaffee County.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and has a hydraulic height of 66 feet, serving primarily for water supply purposes. With a storage capacity of 13,560 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 11,500 acre-feet, Clear Creek covers a surface area of 425 acres and drains an area of 69 square miles.
Managed by a public utility, Clear Creek is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 1,465 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 42,000 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Clear Creek is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in July 2020.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clear Creek offers a fascinating look into the infrastructure supporting water supply, fish and wildlife habitats, recreation, and flood control in the region. Its historical significance, engineering design, and ongoing management make it a noteworthy example of how human intervention can both harness and protect natural resources like water in a sustainable manner.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
2850 |
Dam Height |
70 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
425 |
Hydraulic Height |
66 |
Drainage Area |
69 |
Nid Storage |
13560 |
Structural Height |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
80 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dawson Cabin
|
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Sunnyside
|
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Dexter Campground
|
||
Dexter Point Campground
|
||
Dexter
|
||
Weston Pass
|